Securing the Future of Sports: Addressing Cyber Risks with AI and Behavioral Security
Professional sports organizations are increasingly becoming targets of cyber incidents, with 84% experiencing such incidents in the past year, according to new research by Darktrace. The use of AI by attackers to create sophisticated phishing emails tailored to specific sports entities poses a significant threat. Security professionals in the sports industry are concerned about the growing cyber risks associated with AI adoption, with 83% detecting AI use in cyberattacks in the past year and 72% expecting an increase in cyber risk in the next year. The financial impact of cyber incidents on sports organizations can be substantial, with an average cost of $169,000 reported over the past year, and some organizations experiencing multiple incidents, leading to cumulative costs of up to $1.7 million annually.
As professional sports organizations embrace AI in various operational areas, security concerns are on the rise. The integration of AI into critical systems such as stadium operations, ticketing, fan engagement, and marketing poses new risks for security teams. Despite the benefits of AI, security professionals are wary of the risks introduced during AI development and deployment, AI prompt risks and attacks, and shadow AI. Darktrace's telemetry data reveals that email phishing attacks remain a significant threat to the sports sector, with sports organizations receiving a higher volume of phishing emails compared to other industries. Darktrace's behavioral approach to security emphasizes the importance of understanding human and AI behavior within the environment to mitigate risks effectively.
To address the evolving cyber threats facing professional sports organizations, Darktrace recommends adopting a behavioral approach to security that focuses on detecting threats designed to blend into normal activity. AI systems like Darktrace / SECURE AI™ play a crucial role in providing real-time visibility and machine-speed response to potential threats. Darktrace highlights six priority actions for sports organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture and stay ahead of evolving threats. By leveraging behavioral AI and proactive cybersecurity measures, sports organizations can protect themselves from unknown threats and ensure cyber resilience in an increasingly digitized industry.