Sport Integrity Australia has collaborated with Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and the eSafety Commissioner to develop a program for cyber safety and security in sports.
The primary objective of the program is to assist sporting communities in navigating the challenges posed by cyber threats and fostering a safer online environment for everyone involved in sports.
The course is designed for people who work or volunteer in sports – at all levels – so that they are aware of the potential threats they may face.
Incorporating a wide range of case studies from sporting organisations worldwide, the program provides a practical context to cyber safety in the sporting world.
Partnering with @CyberGovAU and the @eSafetyOffice, we have created a course to help sport understand the potential cyber security threats they might face and how to avoid them.Find out how: https://t.co/EW8ut7SQsV#ProtectingSportTogether#education #cybersecurity pic.twitter.com/hnRDiVrZuI
— Sport Integrity Australia (@ProtectingSport) June 7, 2023
Immediate upgrade
Sport Integrity Australia’s director of Education Alexis Cooper said the course provided sporting organisations with an immediate ability to upgrade their cyber security and online safety knowledge and would help protect their members.
“Cyber security for sporting organisations is more relevant now than ever before,” Cooper said.
"From grassroots clubs holding personal data through to national organisations hosting and participating in major international sporting events, inadequate cyber security can cripple sporting organisations.”
Combat match-fixing and online abuse
Cooper said: “Sadly, there are many negative experiences people endure online that are connected to their involvement in sport.
"To combat this, we have included information for sporting organisations on how to respond to situations involving online abuse.
“Social media direct messaging has also given match-fixers an easy avenue to approach athletes and administrators, so it’s important they be aware of how these approaches can occur and what to do if that happens,” she added.