Time on the fairways, greens – and even relaxing at the 19th hole – may feel like an escape from the gut-wrenching worries of cybercrime – but unfortunately, it isn’t.
Article by GCMA Partners Howden
According to respected governing body The R&A, more than five million people across the UK and Ireland enjoy golf, whether through full club memberships or pay-and-play.
In fact, according to the organisation’s research, there are now 42.7 million on-course golfers in R&A affiliated markets, outside of the USA and Mexico. [1]
The pandemic boosted take-up significantly, as it was seen as a safe outdoor activity. But it has continued its meteoric rise since then, too, with a 50% hike in the UK & Ireland since the Covid-19 outbreak. [2]
All of which equates to a substantial amount of data being gathered and stored by golf clubs up and down the country – which has piqued the interest of unscrupulous cybercriminals.
The problem is, many clubs consider themselves too niche, or traditional, or of little interest to the criminal fraternity and leave themselves open to attack.
So, what are the biggest problems clubs face and what can they do to protect their patrons and themselves?
Data danger
With vast amounts of sensitive member data, golf clubs are now a prime target for cybercriminals. From financial intelligence like card and bank-account details to personal info such as names, addresses and dates of birth, any breach could lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and financial fraud.
Data protection should be a key component of any club’s business strategy. Weak security measures can leave networks vulnerable to attacks, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage and compliance penalties. Consider the following measures:
- Conduct a review of the data your club stores and how it’s protected
- Limit IT system access to authorised personnel
- Use complex passwords and update them regularly
- Use multifactor authentication
- Implement a system to categorise data based on confidentiality levels
- Educate staff on best practices for handling sensitive information
- Monitor and restrict the use of external devices to prevent unauthorised data transfers
- Regularly update security software to guard against evolving threats
- Hire cybersecurity experts to monitor and maintain your systems
- Store and manage data according to data protection laws
The human factor
Often, the biggest cybersecurity risk isn’t the technology – it’s us. Even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to a momentary lapse in judgment, whether by clicking on a phishing link or accidentally sharing confidential information with the wrong person.
Sticking with an easy-to-remember password might seem convenient, for instance, but it compromises security. And those frequent software updates? It’s tempting to put them off until there’s more time, but that delay can leave systems vulnerable.
We’ve all made these mistakes, but the good news is we can take steps to improve. For team leaders, reinforcing the importance of these security habits can significantly strengthen an organisation’s defences.
Education remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cybercrime, alongside a clear understanding of potential vulnerabilities. So, establishing strong protocols at an organisational level is crucial. Cybersecurity must be a priority in the boardroom, as the operational, financial and reputational fallout from an attack could seriously damage a club.
When things go wrong
If your network is compromised, act quickly. Contact an IT specialist to assess the breach, secure your system and mitigate further damage. Inform affected members as soon as possible so they can take protective measures, such as alerting their banks.
Cyber threats are evolving all the time, and the insurance industry is keeping pace. A robust cyber liability policy not only helps cover the financial impact of an attack but also provides expert guidance and crisis management support to safeguard your club’s reputation.
It’s not all bad news, though! Data collated in Howden’s 2024 Cyber Report shows a positive trend: while ransomware attacks are increasing, the percentage of businesses paying ransoms dropped by 17% between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. This decline suggests that well-prepared, insured firms are less vulnerable to prolonged disruption and less likely to pay ransoms. If you need help securing your club’s cyber defences, Howden offers cyber insurance for venues and clubs of all sizes, ensuring protection for both you and your members in the event of an attack.
Contact Howden’s here
[1] https://www.randa.org/en/articles/golf-participation-continues-to-enjoy-growth-globally
[2] https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/golf-participation-in-uk-continues-stunning-growth/#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20that%205.6,increased%20by%20265%2C000%20from%202021.
By GCMA
