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Microsoft Warns of Growing Cybersecurity Concerns in Live Sporting Events As the football season kicks off, cybersecurity concerns are taking center stage, affecting not only football but also other live sporting events like hockey, soccer, basketball, and baseball. The Hacker News recently reported that Microsoft has issued a warning about the increasing threat posed by malicious cyber actors to stadium operations. According to Microsoft, the cyber risk surface of live sporting events is expanding rapidly, making anyone involved with such events potential targets. This includes teams, corporate sponsors, municipal authorities, third-party contractors, coaches, athletes, and even fans, who can be vulnerable to data loss and extortion. Microsoft’s threat briefing highlights that venues and arenas, which host these events, have numerous known and unknown vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber threats. These vulnerabilities can target critical business services such as point-of-sale devices, IT infrastructures, and visitor devices. The level of cyber risk varies depending on factors like location, participants, size, and composition of each event. The cybersecurity concerns extend beyond the arena, as evidenced by last year’s World Cup in Qatar, where Microsoft detected attempts to access the systems of nearby medical facilities meant to provide care for fans, staff, and players if needed. Specific areas of concern for facilities include connected video boards, digital signage, point-of-sale systems, and stadium access infrastructure equipment, which could encompass gates, turnstiles, elevators, and escalators. Addressing these threats largely falls to the responsibilities of facilities and teams, in collaboration with cybersecurity teams. Microsoft offers some cybersecurity recommendations for attendees at live sporting events, encouraging them to: 1. Secure their apps and devices with the latest updates and patches. 2. Avoid accessing sensitive information from public Wi-Fi. 3. Exercise caution with links, attachments, and QR codes from unofficial sources. In conclusion, while enjoying live sporting events, attendees are urged to remain vigilant about cybersecurity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. About SecureMac Founded in 1999, SecureMac (www.securemac.com) has been a leading contributor to Apple security since the 2005 release of the original MacScan anti-malware tool. In the years since, SecureMac has continued to play an essential role in providing macOS users with straightforward options for better security. From the development of the faster and more powerful MacScan 3 to the company’s ongoing development of online privacy tool PrivacyScan, users can easily equip themselves for protection. With the addition of The Checklist, SecureMac continues to showcase a deep commitment to accessible security and the importance of digital awareness for all Mac users. For more info visit www.securemac.com