A senior cybersecurity expert has warned that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be accompanied by a significant increase in cyberattacks and online scams.
Ofer Zilberger, head of the Cybersecurity Division for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at BDO, stated that major sporting events usually lead to a 30 to 40 percent rise in fraud attempts, and the upcoming World Cup will likely face greater threats due to geopolitical tensions.
According to him, these attacks could target both government infrastructure and ordinary citizens. Airports, transportation networks, ticketing systems, and official websites have been identified as potential targets of cyberattacks.
Zilberger warned that hackers may use ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and intrusion campaigns to cause disruptions and influence public opinion. He also noted that artificial intelligence tools have made cyberattacks more sophisticated and harder to detect.
The cybersecurity expert added that scams involving fake tickets, fraudulent travel packages, and theft of banking information are on the rise ahead of the World Cup. Additionally, some fake apps offering free streaming of matches could install malware or spyware on users’ devices.
He urged football fans to avoid opening unknown links, enter banking information only on trusted websites, and verify the authenticity of messages and emails before responding.
Zilberger emphasized that following simple security measures remains the most effective way to prevent cyber damage and online fraud.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
