Securing the Future: The Critical Role of MFA in sport
As technology continues to rapidly advance, we have already seen several newsworthy events* created by bad actors (individuals or groups who attack and invade digital systems with malicious intent) accessing data behind protected walls.
In today's digital age, securing sensitive information has never been more crucial. As cyber threats evolve in complexity and frequency, traditional methods of protection, such as passwords, are no longer sufficient. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has emerged as a critical component in the cybersecurity landscape, offering a robust solution to safeguard against unauthorised access.
MFA is becoming as common as using a passcode to open your mobile device. Pre-Apple in 2007, having a passcode to protect your mobile device was deemed unrequired, however, it would now feel very unusual to not have a passcode protecting the very valuable data and content stored on your device.
Post-2007, our data has become even more valuable and only continues to grow in value. The integration of Multi-Factor Authentication is not just a trend; it's a necessity. As digital interactions and data management become central to sports operations, MFA provides a critical safeguard against a myriad of cyber threats.
This article explores why you need to start thinking seriously about implementing it into your sports ecosystems.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
MFA adds an extra layer of security to the more traditional email and password authentication with the introduction of randomly generated one time passcode (OTP), offering fans enhanced security of their accounts and data and ensuring that only authorised users gain access to your critical systems and information.
MFA enables the sports entity to take more responsibility for their fan’s data, whilst giving the fan a greater sense of comfort that their data is being stored and protected super securely.
The growing need for MFA in today’s digital sports landscape
As the sports industry becomes increasingly digitised, the need for robust security measures grows. From safeguarding athlete data to protecting fan interactions, Multi-Factor Authentication plays a crucial role in securing the digital sports landscape.
Sport is somewhat unique in its range of services that, more often than not, require log-in credentials; digital ticketing, memberships, retail, streaming, hospitality, fantasy leagues and more.
Sport is becoming well practised in implementing Single Sign On solutions to create a more seamless multi-channel authentication experience for fans, but that brings the level of security to a single doorway. With recent security breaches hitting the news, more sports organisations are starting to look at how they can guarantee greater security of the significant amount of data they hold for every fan.
In addition, adopting MFA can also help organisations comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS mandate stringent security measures to protect personal and financial information.
Implementing MFA demonstrates a commitment to security best practices and compliance, building trust with customers and partners.
Common Challenges and misconceptions
- Perceived Complexity and Usability Concerns: Users often fear that MFA will complicate the login process or require them to remember multiple authentication factors. However, modern MFA solutions are designed to be user-friendly, often requiring minimal interaction while significantly enhancing security.
- Implementation Costs and Resource Requirements: Organisations may hesitate to adopt MFA due to perceived high costs and the need for additional infrastructure or training. Many MFA solutions are cost-effective, scalable, and straightforward to implement. In addition, the cost of not implementing MFA could be greater!
- Only Necessary for High-Security Scenarios: Some assume that MFA is only needed for highly sensitive data or systems, underestimating the value of protecting everyday access points. However, cyberattacks can target any account, and breaches often exploit the weakest link. Implementing MFA universally helps secure all access points, reducing overall risk.
- Concerns About User Privacy and Data Security: There are fears that MFA might infringe on user privacy or require sharing too much personal information. In reality, reputable MFA solutions prioritise user privacy, typically requiring only minimal, necessary information.
- Fear of Single Point of Failure: Some worry that losing access to a secondary factor (like a phone or security token) could lock them out of their accounts permanently. Most MFA systems include robust account recovery options and backup methods, such as backup codes or alternate emails
Future trends in MFA and Authentication
As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. MFA provides a future-proof security measure that can adapt to emerging threats, but we’re also future-proofing security methods by looking at what comes next, and how we can improve. The experts at Cortex believe these next steps will include:
- Biometric advancements: The use of advanced biometrics like facial recognition, iris scans, and voice recognition is already in use across several technology channels. As these technologies evolve to be more accurate and user-friendly, they can offer a more seamless and secure authentication experience.
- Adaptive and risk-based authentication: Adaptive MFA systems adjust the level of authentication required based on the perceived risk of the login attempt. For example, a low-risk login from a familiar device may require only a single factor, while a high-risk login from an unusual location may trigger additional factors.
However before getting into future-proofing, sports organisations need to take the first essential steps towards better security; and that’s where Cortex comes in…
Why Cortex?
The secure and compliant Cortex Single Sign On solution has been built specifically for sports fans, with a focus on user flows that match the needs of the audience. For your organisation, optimisation of user registration and data capture drive rapid database growth, enabling you and brand partners to target and personalise content and commercial inventory to a wider, more engaged audience.
Cortex SSO also offers the ability to level up with a Multi-Factor Authentication add-on. Seamlessly integrating as compatible products, Cortex SSO + MFA will help you safeguard your business and build trust with your fans.
- Sports focused: we understand the structure of fan data and sports technologies.
- Connectivity to our other Sports specific products: SSO+MFA will integrate seamlessly with the majority of 3rd party platforms, but combined with Cortex’s Fan Data Platform and Fandom Engine, this trio provides the key to unlocking new opportunities across personalisation and enhanced fan engagement.
- Built for growth: Cortex SSO and MFA offer scalability for fast growing audiences and high traffic events like match days, ensuring the user experience remains seamless and operations maintain their efficiency.
- Commitment to innovation and evolution: we ensure our authentication products are developed to follow the most up to date security best practices. Our sport specific experience means we know what the sign-in user flow should look like & ensures we protect the fan's data whilst delivering best-in-class fan experience.
Elevate the security of your Single Sign-On solution with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) add-on designed to protect sensitive data and defend against rapidly evolving and more sophisticated cyber threats.
If you’d like to learn more about SSO and MFA, our experts would be happy to talk you through it, with no obligation; just get in touch and we’ll set it up!
