Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations in every industry, including the world of sports. As technology becomes increasingly intertwined with sports operations, the risk of cyber threats also continues to rise. In this blog post, we will delve into the statistics surrounding cybersecurity in the sports industry, exploring the challenges, trends, and strategies for safeguarding valuable data and assets in this dynamic and high-stakes environment.
The Latest Cybersecurity In The Sports Industry Statistics Explained
The number of cyber-attacks in the eSports industry doubled in 2020.
The statistic “The number of cyber-attacks in the eSports industry doubled in 2020” indicates that there was a significant increase in the frequency of cyber-attacks targeting the eSports sector during that year. This doubling may suggest a concerning trend of heightened vulnerability to cyber threats within the industry, potentially stemming from the increased reliance on digital platforms for gaming and online tournaments. Factors such as the growing popularity of eSports, the rise in online gaming activities, and the potential financial gains from attacking gaming platforms could contribute to this surge in cyber-attacks. As a result, it is imperative for the eSports industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to safeguard both their operations and the data and privacy of gamers.
70% of sports organizations believe that they’ll face a cyber threat in the next 12 months.
The statistic that 70% of sports organizations believe they will face a cyber threat in the next 12 months indicates a high level of concern within this industry regarding potential cybersecurity risks. This finding suggests that sports organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of protecting their digital assets and data from potential malicious attacks. The high percentage of organizations expressing this concern highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and strategies to safeguard sensitive information and secure their operations against cyber threats in the evolving digital landscape. Sports organizations may need to invest in cybersecurity solutions and implement preventative measures to mitigate these perceived risks effectively.
More than 30% of sports organizations suffered a cyber attack in the last 12 months.
The statistic “More than 30% of sports organizations suffered a cyber attack in the last 12 months” indicates that a significant portion of sports organizations have been targeted by cyber attackers within a one-year period. This statistic raises concerns about the vulnerability of sports organizations to cyber threats, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and infrastructure. The frequency of cyber attacks in the sports industry serves as a reminder for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity efforts, implement robust defenses, and stay vigilant against potential threats to safeguard their operations and reputations.
Cyberattacks targeting sports platforms increased by 93% between 2019 and 2020.
The statistic indicates that the number of cyberattacks directed at sports platforms rose significantly by 93% from 2019 to 2020. This increase suggests a notable uptick in malicious activities aimed at compromising the cybersecurity of organizations within the sports industry. Such cyberattacks could involve various tactics, such as hacking websites, stealing sensitive data, or disrupting services. This surge highlights the growing vulnerability of sports platforms to online threats and emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of the data and systems in the sports sector.
60% of sports entities do not think their cybersecurity defences are sufficient.
The statistic that 60% of sports entities do not believe their cybersecurity defenses are adequate suggests a concerning lack of confidence in the industry’s ability to protect critical data and systems. This indicates a high level of perceived vulnerability to cyber threats within the sports sector, which could potentially leave these organizations at risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. The fact that a majority of sports entities express doubt about the effectiveness of their cybersecurity measures highlights the need for increased investments in robust security strategies and technologies to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard sensitive information.
77% of UK sports organizations experienced a cyber security incident in 2019.
The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 77%, of sports organizations in the UK encountered a cyber security incident in the year 2019. This suggests a high prevalence of cybersecurity threats within the sports industry during that period. Such incidents could encompass a range of cyber attacks or breaches, including hacking, malware infiltration, or phishing attempts, which may have resulted in data breaches, financial losses, or reputational damage for these organizations. The statistic underscores the importance for sports organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information, maintain the trust of their stakeholders, and safeguard their operations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
50% of sports organizations lack a cyber incident response plan.
The statistic “50% of sports organizations lack a cyber incident response plan” indicates that half of the sports organizations surveyed do not have a specific plan in place to address and mitigate cyber security incidents. This suggests a potential vulnerability in their data and systems, leaving them at risk of cyber attacks and breaches. Without a structured response plan, these organizations may struggle to effectively manage and minimize the impact of cyber incidents, which could lead to data loss, financial costs, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences. Developing and implementing a comprehensive cyber incident response plan is crucial for sports organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture and safeguard their operations and sensitive information.
More than 85% of sports institutions plan to increase spending on network security infrastructure.
The statistic “More than 85% of sports institutions plan to increase spending on network security infrastructure” indicates a widespread trend within the sports industry towards prioritizing and investing in enhancing their network security measures. This proactive approach by a majority of sports institutions suggests a recognition of the growing importance of safeguarding their digital assets and sensitive information from potential cyber threats. By committing to bolstering their network security infrastructure, these organizations are taking necessary steps to protect their operations, data, and reputation in an increasingly interconnected and technology-dependent landscape. This statistic underscores the industry’s acknowledgment of the critical role that cybersecurity plays in ensuring the integrity and reliability of their networks and reaffirms their dedication to staying ahead of potential security risks.
2019 witnessed 50 cyber incidents in the sports and fitness industry.
The statistic ‘2019 witnessed 50 cyber incidents in the sports and fitness industry’ indicates that there were a total of 50 reported incidents of unauthorized access, data breaches, or other cyber attacks targeting organizations within the sports and fitness sector in the year 2019. These incidents could have potentially compromised sensitive information such as customer data, financial records, or intellectual property, leading to potential financial losses, reputational damage, and disruptions to operations. The statistic highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks in the sports and fitness industry, underscoring the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect data and mitigate risks.
Only 30% of the sports industry believes their cybersecurity education is sufficient to meet the threat.
The statistic “Only 30% of the sports industry believes their cybersecurity education is sufficient to meet the threat” indicates that a large majority (70%) of professionals in the sports industry do not feel adequately equipped with cybersecurity knowledge to address potential threats effectively. This suggests a concerning lack of confidence in the industry’s preparedness to safeguard against cybersecurity risks. With technological advancements and increasing digital dependencies in the sports sector, the importance of robust cybersecurity education and protocols cannot be overstated. Enhancing cybersecurity awareness and training within the industry is crucial to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
29% of attacks against sports organizations started as phishing emails.
The statistic ‘29% of attacks against sports organizations started as phishing emails’ indicates that nearly a third of cyber attacks targeting sports organizations originated from phishing emails. Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. In the context of sports organizations, these attacks could potentially lead to data breaches, financial losses, or even reputational damage. It highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, conducting employee training on recognizing phishing attempts, and investing in technologies to mitigate the risks associated with such tactics.
The average cost for resolving a cyber attack for a sport company is around $200,000.
The statistic that the average cost for resolving a cyber attack for a sport company is around $200,000 indicates the financial impact of such security breaches on organizations within the sports industry. This cost likely encompasses various expenses incurred during the aftermath of a cyber attack, including investigation, remediation, system restoration, legal fees, potential regulatory fines, and loss of revenue or intellectual property. The figure serves as a quantitative measure of the magnitude of the financial risk associated with cyber threats in the sports sector, highlighting the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate potential breaches.
Roughly 10% of sports fans have fallen victim to cyber crime on a platform offering sports-related content.
The statistic “Roughly 10% of sports fans have fallen victim to cyber crime on a platform offering sports-related content” suggests that a significant portion of sports fans who engage with sports-related content online have experienced some form of cybercrime. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of sports fans to online threats when accessing platforms related to sports. Cybercrimes targeting sports fans could include various types of malicious activities such as phishing scams, information theft, or fraudulent schemes. The implication is that individuals who are passionate about sports and frequently consume sports content online are at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals, emphasizing the importance of taking cybersecurity measures to protect personal information and digital assets when engaging with sports platforms.
About 8,000 websites breached in attacks related to Sports Industry in 2020.
The statistic “About 8,000 websites breached in attacks related to the Sports Industry in 2020” indicates that a significant number of websites within the sports industry were compromised as a result of cyber attacks during the year 2020. These breaches likely resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive data, such as user information, payment details, or proprietary business data. The high number of website breaches highlights the vulnerability of the sports industry to cyber threats and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of such attacks. Organizations within the sports industry should prioritize cybersecurity practices to protect their websites and the data they hold from potential security breaches.
83% of sports consumers will continue purchasing from a sports entity that can demonstrate a strong cybersecurity posture.
The statistic that 83% of sports consumers will continue purchasing from a sports entity that can demonstrate a strong cybersecurity posture indicates the significant impact that cybersecurity measures can have on consumer trust and loyalty in the sports industry. It suggests that a vast majority of sports consumers prioritize the security of their personal information when interacting with sports organizations, recognizing the importance of safeguarding their data from potential cyber threats. By emphasizing a strong cybersecurity posture, sports entities can not only protect consumer data but also maintain customer satisfaction, trust, and retention. Therefore, investing in robust cybersecurity measures is not only crucial for mitigating cyber risks but also for maintaining a competitive edge in the sports industry by meeting the evolving security expectations of consumers.
37% of sports industry practitioners say their organizations lack resources to address cybersecurity issues.
The statistic indicates that a significant portion, specifically 37%, of professionals working in the sports industry believe that their organizations do not have adequate resources to effectively deal with cybersecurity issues. This suggests that there is a perceived deficiency in terms of the tools, technologies, and possibly expertise necessary to protect their organizations from cyber threats. In a sector where the reliance on digital technologies and data is increasing, such a lack of resources could potentially leave sports organizations vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches, highlighting the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures within the industry to safeguard against potential risks.
Only one-third of the sports industry follows the general cybersecurity guidelines.
This statistic suggests that only a minority portion, specifically one-third, of the sports industry adheres to standard cybersecurity best practices. This implies that the majority of organizations within the sports sector are not adequately implementing measures to protect their digital infrastructure and sensitive information from potential cyber threats, such as data breaches, hacking attempts, or ransomware attacks. The low compliance rate with cybersecurity guidelines in the sports industry may leave these organizations and their stakeholders vulnerable to security breaches, potentially resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised data privacy. Such findings highlight the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures across the sports sector to mitigate risks and safeguard valuable assets.
Almost half (47%) of UK football clubs suffered a security incident or breach in the last 12 months.
The statistic “almost half (47%) of UK football clubs suffered a security incident or breach in the last 12 months” indicates that a substantial portion of football clubs in the UK experienced a security incident or breach within a year. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of football clubs to cybersecurity threats and suggests that there may be a significant need for improved security measures within the industry. The high percentage of clubs affected also underscores the potential financial and reputational risks faced by these organizations as a result of cyberattacks. Overall, this statistic emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity readiness and risk management for UK football clubs to safeguard their sensitive data and operations against malicious activity.
In Europe, 65% of sports organizations experienced at least one cyber incident in the last year.
This statistic indicates that a significant portion of sports organizations in Europe, specifically 65%, encountered at least one cyber incident within the past year. This suggests a prevalent issue of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the sports industry in Europe, potentially exposing these organizations to threats such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybercrimes. The high percentage of affected organizations highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, ensure operational continuity, and safeguard the reputation and trust of these sports organizations among stakeholders and fans.
References
0. – https://www.www.ey.com
1. – https://www.www.dellemc.com
2. – https://www.www.kaspersky.co.za
3. – https://www.www.euromoney.com
4. – https://www.www.atlasvpn.com
5. – https://www.sportsheritage.org
6. – https://www.www.helpnetsecurity.com
7. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com
8. – https://www.www.bbc.com
9. – https://www.www.itpro.co.uk
10. – https://www.cyberriskleaders.com
11. – https://www.www.bbc.co.uk
