Now that the March Madness tournament has concluded with thrilling games and memorable moments, fans are reflecting on their brackets and the champions crowned. While the excitement of the tournament may have subsided, the cybersecurity risks tied to major events like this remain a critical concern, especially as cybercriminals continue to exploit similar opportunities during other high-profile occasions. March Madness is a prime example of how high-profile events can attract both enthusiastic fans and malicious actors, creating a surge in online activity that cybercriminals exploit to take advantage of distracted participants.
The Playbook of Cyber Scams
Cybercriminals are always adapting, but certain scams make a reappearance year after year during high-profile events like March Madness and the Super Bowl. Phishing remains a top threat, with fraudsters posing as ticket vendors, sports retailers or even colleagues promoting bracket challenges. These deceptive emails often contain links that lead to fake login pages or sites designed to steal your login information or infect your device with malware.
A form of phishing that’s growing in popularity, called “quishing,” takes it a step further by embedding QR codes in emails, on stickers or even restaurant menus. When scanned, these codes direct users to fake websites designed to steal their personal or financial information. Since QR codes often slip past email filters, they’ve become a popular tool for cybercriminals.
In addition, voice phishing (vishing) has gained traction with the rising popularity of online AI tools. Scammers impersonate trusted entities like banks or IT support departments to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or approving fraudulent transactions.
For businesses, particularly those with remote or hybrid teams, March Madness presents not just an opportunity for team bonding but also a potential security minefield. Employees engaging in tournament-related activities – whether streaming games, downloading unverified apps, participating in bracket pools or clicking on malicious links – can inadvertently expose corporate networks to cyber threats. Cybercriminals capitalize on this increased online activity, using fake sports betting apps, streaming links and social media scams as gateways to launch attacks like ransomware, credential stuffing and Business Email Compromise (BEC), which can affect both personal and organizational data.
Defensive Strategies to Combat Cyber Attacks
The best defense against cyber threats is a mix of awareness, smart habits and strong security tools. Whether you’re filling out a bracket at home or managing a business, here’s how to stay protected:
- Think Before You Click – If an email, phone call, text or QR code offer seems too good to be true – like free tickets or exclusive prizes – it probably is. Always verify sources before engaging.
- Strengthen Your Digital Security – Using strong, unique passwords and enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to breach your accounts. A password manager can help keep everything secure.
- Stay Up to Date – Cybercriminals exploit outdated software. Keeping apps, devices and security tools updated ensures you have the latest protection against cyber threats.
- Use Secure Connections – Whether you’re streaming a game or logging in to a work account, avoid public WiFi without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your data safe.
- Set Smart Boundaries – Businesses should establish clear cybersecurity policies, ensuring employees only use trusted networks and apps, while understanding how to avoid scams.
Stay in the Game, Stay Secure
March Madness is all about excitement, competition and team spirit – but it’s also a prime time for cyber threats. Whether you’re managing personal accounts or safeguarding a business, staying proactive is key. Following strong cybersecurity practices, fostering awareness and using trusted security tools can keep cybercriminals from scoring on you. Don’t let your guard down – stay ahead of the game and keep your data, accounts and organization protected.
The post March Madness: Don’t Let Cyber Scammers Attack Your Bracket Blind Spot first appeared on Cybersecurity Insiders.
The post March Madness: Don’t Let Cyber Scammers Attack Your Bracket Blind Spot appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.
April 11, 2025 at 12:26PM
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