Episode 196: Securing FIFA World Cup 2026 Collaboratively
In episode 196 of Cybersecurity Where You Are, Sean Atkinson sits down with Sasha Larkin, Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for FIFA World Cup 2026, and John Cohen, Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Programs and Initiatives at the Center for Internet Security® (CIS®). Together, they discuss how CIS, FIFA, and FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities started collaborating in 2025 on cybersecurity, public safety, intelligence, and information-sharing efforts supporting the largest sporting event in the world.
Here are some highlights from our episode:
- 00:40. Introductions to Sasha and John
- 02:07. Overview of one of the most complex public safety efforts assembled for a sporting event
- 05:52. Consistency: A standard for preventing and deterring threats at FIFA World Cup 2026
- 10:30. The impact of relationships in shaping FIFA's security ops and information sharing
- 11:53. Effective communication: The key to cross-functional collaboration in support of the tournament
- 18:07. The importance of information that guides operations
- 20:35. Education as a way to inform stakeholders and deploy resources
- 26:19. A deliberate effort to look at unanticipated threats and plan for them
- 29:14. Examples of messaging synchronization in support of FIFA World Cup 2026
- 32:37. An all-hands-on-deck support campaign from CIS
- 33:29. Parting thoughts around large-scale event support in the future
Resources
- An Examination of Generative AI and Physical Threat Planning
- An Examination of AI-Enabled Threats to Event and Stadium Security
- Multidimensional Threats
- 5 Major Emerging Risks to Large-Scale Events
- Illicit Sports Betting and Match Integrity Risks to Large-Scale Events
- Deepfakes and Synthetic Media: The Emerging Threat to Large-Scale Public Gatherings
- Growing Risks to Digital Ticketing Platforms for Large-Scale Events
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Evolving Risks to Large-Scale Public Gatherings
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Evolving Risks to Large-Scale Public Gatherings Cyber Risks Companion Guide
- 5 Steps to Help Secure Your City before a Large-Scale Event
If you have some feedback or an idea for an upcoming episode of Cybersecurity Where You Are, let us know by emailing [email protected].
As of June 23, 2025, the MS-ISAC has introduced a fee-based membership. Any potential reference to no-cost MS-ISAC services no longer applies.