Brazil FIFA World Cup Threatened by Massive Cyber-Attack

The Brazil FIFA World Cup is threatened by a massive cyber-attack that could breach websites and lead to data theft, according to the BBC. Brazilian hackers are threatening to disrupt the football event that has already been hut by protests, delays and overspending.

Several self-proclaimed Anonymous members told Reuters they will mainly hack websites of official organizations and companies sponsoring the Brazil FIFA World Cup. The country`s telecommunications infrastructure suffers from overstrained networks, widespread use of pirated software and low investment in online security, according to experts.

“We are already making plans,” a hacker nicknamed Eduarda Dioratto said. “I don`t think there is much they can do to stop us.”

Hackers are motivated by the global audience of the sports event and the “opportunity” it offers to breach FIFA, government and corporate web sites. Authorities said they are prepared to respond to cyber-attacks, but it would be “reckless for any nation to say it`s 100 percent prepared for a threat.”

“It`s not a question of whether the Cup will be targeted, but when,” cybersecurity expert William Beer told the BBC. “So resilience and response become extremely important.”

Brazil cyber-crime groups are already disrupting ticket sales and other World Cup commercial web sites. The country is home to some of the world`s most sophisticated online crime operations.

In June 2013, more than a million Brazilians protested for better public services, greater transparency, and corruption crackdown. Demonstrators were furious about the 33 billion reais ($14 billion) in federal funds spent on World Cup preparations.

FIFA representatives declined to comment on online security.