A Dutch cybersecurity team effectively protected the Ukrainian football team during their European Championship match in Düsseldorf. The main goal was to stop pro-Russian hackers from taking over the stadium’s systems and playing the Russian national anthem over the speakers.
A cybersecurity firm from The Hague played a key role in this effort. They put measures in place to prevent hackers from displaying unwanted messages on screens or tampering with the stadium’s infrastructure, like the lighting system.
During the Ukraine vs. Slovakia match on June 21, Dutch Eye Security was brought in for extra surveillance and threat detection. Technical director Piet Kerkhofs stated that their main focus was on keeping the stadium’s connections secure and ensuring hackers couldn’t disrupt the website or live streams of the match.
Being Ready for Cyber Threats
The concern about cyber threats was not without reason. Pro-Russian hackers had previously launched a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack during a qualifying match between Poland and Estonia in March. This incident, along with past attacks on major events like the Eurovision Song Contest and elections, raised alarms for the event management company D.LIVE, which operated the stadium in Düsseldorf.
Even though UEFA worked to secure the overall organization and broadcasting of the matches, D.LIVE took additional steps to protect the fan zones and related activities. Thanks to careful planning, Eye Security’s team was able to prevent any cyber threats, ensuring the match went smoothly for everyone involved.
Raising Awareness and Reducing Risks
Looking to the future, Kerkhofs emphasized the importance of event organizers being aware of cyber threats and implementing strong security measures. He highlighted the need for proactive steps to reduce risks and prevent disruptions. By conducting thorough security checks and addressing vulnerabilities early on, organizers can protect their events from cyber threats.
While the specific cybersecurity measures at other stadiums during the European Championship are not clear, Kerkhofs hopes this incident will encourage organizers to prioritize cybersecurity in the future. Staying ahead of potential threats can ensure the safety and security of both participants and spectators.
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