WC cyber security hiked over hacking concerns

London,  September 12 

The English Football Association will increase cyber security for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after hacking attacks by a group suspected of links to a Russian spy agency.

The FA has written a letter to soccer’s governing body FIFA expressing its concerns about sensitive information such as injuries, strategies and tactics being leaked before matches during the World Cup.

England players and staff have been advised not to use public Wi-Fi in Russia, including the connections provided at the team hotel. According to media reports, the FA has also strengthened firewalls, introduced encrypted passwords and have strict guidelines for players regarding social media.

The FA could not immediately be reached for comment. England, who lead Group F with 20 points, can seal their participation in the World Cup with a win over Slovenia in their penultimate qualifying match at Wembley on Oct. 5.

Hacking group Fancy Bears in August leaked anti-doping information regarding footballers and said more than 150 players failed drug tests in 2015. Athletics governing body IAAF said in April it had suffered a cyber attack that it believed compromised information about athletes’ medical records. — Reuters