Girona FC Kicks Off Security Partnership with WatchGuard
In an era where professional sports organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the risks associated with cyber threats are greater than ever. Girona FC, one of LaLiga’s rising professional football clubs, has taken a significant step to enhance its cybersecurity posture by partnering with WatchGuard Technologies. This move reflects the Club’s broader commitment to digital resilience and operational security.
Through this new collaboration, WatchGuard is now the Official Cybersecurity Supplier of Girona FC, providing the Club with a single, comprehensive security platform that will help defend against the growing number of digital threats facing the sports industry today.
Cyber Threats in Sports: A Growing Concern
Much like other large organizations, modern professional sporting clubs have become an increasingly enticing target for cybercriminals. The sports industry has seen a surge in threats, for example:
- Phishing and social engineering target staff, players, and management to gain unauthorized access to internal systems or sensitive data.
- Ransomware attacks lock down team operations, compromise ticketing systems, and halt communications.
- Data breaches affect the personal and financial data of fans, employees, and athletes.
- DDoS attacks disrupt live broadcasts, matchday operations, and digital fan services.
- Data compromise and exfiltration can impact scouting, match plans, and overall competitive advantage.
These risks are especially relevant for growing clubs that are undergoing rapid digital transformation and increasingly relying on cloud platforms, connected infrastructure, and real-time data to support performance, fan engagement, and day-to-day operations.
A Unified Approach to Cybersecurity
Aligned with its commitment to excellence in every aspect – both on the pitch and off it – this new partnership empowers Girona FC with the precise and powerful security that comes with WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform. WatchGuard solutions will protect the Club’s key facilities, including Montilivi stadium, its training centre in Vilablareix, and its Les Hortes academy player residence. The deployment includes:
- Network security to safeguard Internet-connected systems and prevent unauthorized access.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to monitor devices used by staff, coaches, and management for suspicious behavior.
- ThreatSync+ Network Detection and Response (NDR) for centralized visibility and response to threats across the organization.
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for around-the-clock monitoring and expert-led threat response.
These solutions will be deployed and managed by Girona FC’s technology partners, Parlem Telecom, which serves as the Club’s systems integrator and MSP delivering Real Security for the Real World.
Looking Ahead
As Girona FC continues to grow on and off the pitch, its commitment to cybersecurity is a model for other sports organizations navigating the complexities of today’s digital landscape.
“We’re proud to support Girona FC as they pursue growth and excellence both on the pitch and behind the scenes,” said Michelle Welch, CMO and SVP of Business Strategy at WatchGuard. “Just as the team defends against attacks during matches, we’re here to defend their digital environment against cyber threats every day.”
This collaboration with Girona FC joins WatchGuard’s growing portfolio of strategic sports partnerships, including our role as the NHL’s Seattle Kraken's official cybersecurity partner and a founding partner of Climate Pledge Arena. It also reflects a growing awareness that cybersecurity in professional sports is no longer optional; it’s essential. Are you prepared to defend your arena?
