2010 World Cup 'could put IT security at risk'

2010-01-06

This year's World Cup in South Africa could be partially responsible for a rise in cybercriminal activity and put IT security at risk, it has been warned.

Symantec says that as upgrades are made to the nation's broadband service, an increase in spam and hacking of websites has already been seen.

The IT security firm has often seen a surge in malicious activity in countries introducing faster, cheaper and more accessible broadband, explains Gordon Love, regional director for Africa.

"Our research has also shown that events such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup trigger online fraud, fake websites, phishing and spam attacks and hacking," he continued.

Symantec will be increasing the number of network sensors it has in South Africa in order to monitor cybercriminal activity.

With the UK hosting the Olympic Games in 2012 and in the running for the 2018 World Cup, IT security experts may want to start considering the action they can take to keep data safe.

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