Southampton FC has taken measures to enhance its cybersecurity defenses during the 2023/24 football season. Nicole Deslandes from TI recently interviewed the club’s IT director to discuss their cybersecurity strategy. Nearly three years ago, Manchester United experienced a public cyber-attack that disrupted their staff’s email usage and raised concerns among fans about their data security. Although the attack didn’t compromise customer data or disrupt their experience, it emphasized the importance of football teams bolstering their cybersecurity, both on and off the field.
Southampton FC recognized this need and, ahead of the new season, announced a renewed partnership with cybersecurity firms Acronis and Tailor-Made Technologies. This partnership aims to safeguard the club’s data assets and optimize data workflows. According to Huw Fielding, Southampton FC’s director of IT, the pressure to protect their networks from cyber threats is substantial, given the constant media scrutiny they face, particularly when dealing with ransomware.
In football, like other industries, ransomware threats are a continuous concern, with transfer deadline day being a high-risk period. Fielding points out that these attacks typically involve phishing or email-based methods, often impersonating agents or other relevant parties to disrupt player transfers.
Southampton FC’s primary focus is safeguarding their data, as it holds significant value to the club. Fielding emphasizes that data protection, integrity, and availability are paramount, given the increasing amount of data required to operate a football club.
Fielding also highlights the importance of understanding the data to effectively protect it. He explains that without a dedicated Security Operations Centre, staying updated on the latest cyber threats can be challenging.
The partnership with Tailor-Made Technologies and Acronis allows Southampton FC to tap into their expertise and experience in the cybersecurity sector, helping to address potential gaps. The unique nature of football clubs, with their diverse operations, requires the IT department to have a broad skill set and expertise.
With this renewed partnership, the club leverages Acronis’ platform to ensure robust data processes are in place. This approach provides flexibility in managing and configuring the services, along with assurance of quick and effective support in case of issues.
Fielding acknowledges that football clubs face cybersecurity challenges similar to those of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Limited resources and a high media profile create immense pressure. Seeking external expertise puts Southampton FC at an advantage in cybersecurity.
Fielding also suggests that football clubs could benefit from collaboration, sharing data and resources to enhance their understanding of football-specific cybersecurity trends. This cooperative approach could lead to improved responses to potential threats and a higher level of collective learning.