Cyber Security Cyber Security “Forging a Trust and open Cyberspace” was the theme of the Singapore International Cyber Week 2018, held at SunTec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 18th – 20th September 2018. Photo Credit: Cyber Security Agency of Singapore – Governmentware 2018
Cyber Protection for the World’s Game The 2018 FIFA World Cup which took place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, with half the globe watching and costing an estimated $14 billion, was also the first World Cup to use the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Written into the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in 2018, six years after the goal-line technology was approved, the adoption of VAR was yet another example of the growing trend in the use of technology and data analytics in sports. Performing at the highest level of football inevitably involves players and referees contesting controversial decisions over millisecond movements of a foul play or a handball. Harnessing technology with the aim to square disputes and reduce questionable calls is undoubtedly a natural and practical solution with today’s faster, powerful and yet cheaper data processors and storage.
tirelessly dissecting each with statistics such as possession, passes completed, corners, shots on target. Each history is used to predict the next winning or losing team, to debate on merits or gaping holes in performance, to challenge the wisdom of the team’s strategy, or even to suggest how to do things better the next time. Data extends beyond analysis of team demographics, match history and playing data accrued real-time on-pitch, to off-pitch training data. As the volume of data grows, so does the recognition to gain special insights into the notso-obvious. Through aggregations and algorithms, identification and correlation of factors behind what would ultimately generate goals give the team a competitive edge, on top of raw talent and pure athleticism.
Data … and more data in the World’s Game
For the many fans who experience during the 90-minute game a roller-coaster emotional ride, from anticipation to nail biting fear to excitement, unhesitatingly take to social media to form and voice their own opinions and analysis.
To be sure, data collection and analytics is not new in football. Sports commentators had long been logging events of the game,
58 | Australian Cyber Security Magazine
By Jane Lo Singapore Correspondent
Football industry understands that to keep the game exciting, relevant and resonate with the public is engaging the groups of loyal fans, building personalized connections and messages with them. The potential global exposure a football team can receive through digital channels means aligning the fans beyond the traditional physical brands printed on the team’s jersey or scarf. Twitter, #tags, websites are becoming the go-to places for teams to announce the latest on signings, team news, line-ups. Players also boosting their brands, marketability and image with selfies, or wefies with fans. Attracting fans beyond the base country or continent means creating data content of rich experiences and compelling stories that fans can follow, on their own devices, wherever they are. Securing the data … Technology Partnership with Arsenal Football Club
And for the fans… Without a doubt, data in this digital era is now an integral part of tactical and strategic planning in an industry where broadcasting rights are worth billions and transfers top tens of millions. So, it follows that securing and protecting against the loss of this data is critical.
