The Playbook: Why Personal Cybersecurity Training is as Crucial for Athletes as Media and Social Media Training

Over the years I've been responsible for providing media training to soon to be professional players going through their respective league draft machines and other big moments in their careers. I've also been responsible for helping to manage the reputation damage when things go sideways. In modern professional sports, athletes are no longer just competitors on the field; they are brands, influencers, and public figures.

With this elevated status comes increased visibility and, unfortunately, vulnerability. Just as media training and social media savvy have become indispensable tools in an athlete's arsenal for managing public perception, brand deals, and fan engagement - personal cybersecurity training is emerging as a critical defense mechanism against the unique threats these influencers face in the digital arena.

The New Playing Field: Digital Vulnerabilities

Athletes, by virtue of their public personas, accumulate massive followings on social media platforms, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. From phishing scams, confidence/romance fraud to social engineering tactics, hackers employ a myriad of strategies to breach an athlete's personal and professional life. The consequences of a breach can range from financial loss to significant damage to their reputation. When a single tweet can ignite major controversy, the stakes for maintaining digital hygiene and managing your digital footprints have never been higher.

Beyond the Basics: The Need for Cybersecurity Training

While most individuals understand the importance of basic cybersecurity measures such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, athletes require a more nuanced approach to digital security.

Personal cybersecurity training for athletes isn't just about protecting passwords or avoiding suspicious links; it's about understanding the sophisticated nature of threats they face and the potential repercussions on their careers and personal lives. Just as they are all required to complete media training at some point in their career - college or otherwise, cybersecurity training should be top of mind for every athletic department, team, and league.

The Playbook for Cybersecurity Training

1. Recognizing Phishing Attempts: Athletes often receive a high volume of emails and messages, some of which are crafted to deceive. Training should focus on identifying suspicious communications, understanding the tactics used by cybercriminals, and the steps to take when they encounter a potential threat.

2. Social Media Hygiene: Given their significant online presence, athletes need to be particularly cautious about what they share on social media. Training should cover the implications of oversharing, the risks of interacting with unknown profiles, and the importance of reviewing privacy settings on all platforms.

3. Secure Financial Transactions: With substantial incomes and complex financial arrangements, athletes are attractive targets for financial fraud. Cybersecurity training must include best practices for secure banking and investment activities, recognizing fraudulent schemes, and securing personal and financial information both online and offline.

4. Data Protection: Athletes travel constantly, and often internationally, exposing them to various digital threats. Training should emphasize the importance of using secure networks, the risks associated with public Wi-Fi, and the use of VPNs to safeguard information.

5. Crisis Management: In the event of a cyberattack, knowing how to respond is crucial. Athletes should have a response team on the ready and be trained in immediate response strategies, including whom to contact, how to secure accounts, and the steps to mitigate damage.

Just as in sports, defense against cyber threats is a team effort. Athletes should not only be proactive in their cybersecurity practices but also ensure their entourage, including managers, agents, and even family members, are equally informed and vigilant. After all, cyber threats can come from all directions

For athletes, personal cybersecurity training is not an optional extra; it's fundamental to their brand. By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity education, athletes can safeguard not only their digital assets but their reputations, ensuring they can focus on what they do best: excelling in their sports and business endeavors.