Darktrace Finds More Than 80% of Professional Sports Organizations Impacted by Cyber Incidents in the last 12 Months as AI Raises the Cybersecurity Stakes
Darktrace reports 84% of professional sports organizations faced cyber incidents in the past year, with AI-driven attacks complicating defenses amid rapid AI adoption in operations.
Darktrace confirmed no compromise to its internal systems following claims by the LockBit cybercriminal gang, stating its security review found no evidence of a breach. The company emphasized that its services remain fully operational and customer data is protected, while continuing to monitor the situation closely. Darktrace’s investigation dismissed the LockBit claims as unsubstantiated, with no linked compromised data presented.
A new Darktrace report reveals 84% of professional sports organizations experienced cyber incidents in the past 12 months, with 57% reporting multiple attacks. The study highlights how AI is being weaponized by attackers to craft sophisticated phishing emails and accelerate intrusions, while sports organizations increasingly deploy AI in operations, creating new security blind spots.
The financial impact of cyber incidents in sports is substantial, averaging $169,000 per event, with 57% of organizations reporting repeated attacks. Cumulative annual costs for some could reach $1.7 million, compounding reputational and operational damage. Sectors like stadium operations, ticketing, and fan engagement are particularly vulnerable, with 34% of security professionals citing stadium systems as the highest-risk area.
Darktrace’s telemetry data shows sports organizations receive nearly 20% more phishing emails than other industries, with 21% targeting VIPs and 38% classified as spear-phishing. The report underscores the need for behavioral AI approaches to detect threats that blend into normal activity, particularly as AI tools become integral to operations and new attack vectors emerge.