England cyber attack warning

ENGLAND players and staff will be told not to log into hotel or public wifi in Russia during the World Cup amid fears of James Bond-style attempts to spy on team tactics.

The FA have already written to FIFA to express concerns about the security of systems after the organisation known as the Fancy Bears hacked into computers to reveal the names of 23 players they claimed participated in the 2010 World Cup using TUE exemptions for banned substances.

However, even before those details emerged, early FA reconnaissance missions, looking into potential team bases in Russia in the hope that Gareth Southgate’s side qualify, identified cyber security as a big issue. IT specialists are working to improve security and will screen for listening devices when England finally settle on a base.

Of huge concern is that data used in coaching or tactics could become vulnerable if a player with access to such information uses an unsecure public internet system. FIFA confirmed they had replied to the FA. A spokesperson said: “FIFA remain committed to preventing security attacks and, with respect to the Fancy Bears, are investigating the incident to ascertain whether FIFA’s infrastructure has been compromised.” WORRY: Cyber security could be a big issue for Southgate