Cybersecurity has become one of the top priorities for organisers hosting the sports events, particularly global competitions like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. In modern times, cybercrime has become a major challenge for host nations as organisers have been targeted by the sophisticated online scams to sabotage the tournaments.
Currently, reports are doing the rounds, claiming that a series of malicious cyberattacks were launched to disrupt Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics - already affected and delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Japan has said it would take the countermeasures to ensure next year’s Tokyo Olympics are not derailed.
Qatar, which will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, too, is aware of the menace of cybercrime as it will bring most popular event to the Middle East for the first time. Like other arrangements that include completing infrastructure and construction of stadiums for the World Cup in 2022, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is heading in the right direction in taking steps against possible cybercrime.
Recently at the Oman’s Future Tech Summit and Expo, the Supreme Committee showcased its cybersecurity preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a presentation covering different aspects.
Maryam Al Muftah, the SC’s IT Director gave the presentation in which she highlighted the importance of cybersecurity preparations and the challenges that come with hosting a mega sporting event, such as the ‘potential for cybercrime, data security breaches and information systems failure’.
During her presentation, Al Muftah drew examples from recent FIFA World Cup tournaments and Olympic Games, when organisers were targeted and said the threats will increase as Qatar 2022 comes closer ‘meaning it will be necessary to build our cybersecurity skillset, grow compliance and maintain all our current capabilities’.
Al Muftah apprised that the Supreme Committee has developed strong partnerships with major cybersecurity partners and will continue to nurture these relationships.
“We all need to be vigilant and continue to expand our expertise to tackle all aspects of this issue,” said Al Muftah at the event that was held using virtual event technology. This is certainly a good news that the Supreme Committee – tasked to deliver a truly unique World Cup – has already taken initiatives to tackle the threat and is determined to keep a hawk eye on any malicious attempt.
Since it was historically awarded the hosting of the tournament in 2010, Qatar has been defying efforts from unscrupulous elements to malice its plan of organising a highly successful World Cup. By continuing the same level of commitment, professionalism and teamwork, Qatar will surely tame more such plans and host the World Cup that will leave a long lasting legacy.
