New report finds huge surge in cyberattacks targeting professional sports organizations (www.techradar.com)

A new report by Darktrace highlights a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting professional sports organizations, with 84% experiencing incidents in the past year. The study reveals that 83% of these attacks involved artificial intelligence (AI), which is being used by cybercriminals to craft sophisticated phishing schemes and manipulate digital content such as deepfakes. The unique environment of professional sports—characterized by high-stakes events, valuable data, and extensive partner networks—makes these organizations particularly vulnerable to AI-enhanced cyber threats, with incidents costing about $170,000 on average, potentially reaching nearly $1.7 million annually due to repeat attacks. The report emphasizes that the risk is two-fold: while criminals leverage AI to exploit vulnerabilities, sports organizations also adopt AI technologies without adequate security measures, creating new avenues for attack. With 72% of respondents believing AI will exacerbate cyber risks in the coming year, the findings underline the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity frameworks within the sports industry. This growing intersection of AI and cybercrime marks a critical moment for stakeholders to address security challenges before they escalate further.