Page 272 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2024

The Last Stop: Protecting an NHL Franchise Against

Cyberattacks

By Marc Laliberte, Director of Security Operations at WatchGuard

For the Seattle Kraken, the National Hockey League’s 32nd franchise, maintaining a strong defense off
the ice—one that keeps cyber attackers in the penalty box—is just as important as its defense on the ice.

Here’s what it’s like behind the scenes defending a widely recognized brand.

The Kraken IT and security team is charged with protecting the organization’s digital assets – including
sensitive team and fan data and proprietary information. The six-person team is responsible for managing
and protecting more than 260 individuals and their devices at home and on the road as well as the servers
and private networks that support the team’s operations. In addition, the Kraken Community Iceplex,
which houses the team’s offices and IT equipment, is open to the public, offering a free Wi-Fi network for
up to 1000 visitors per day. That traffic passes over the Kraken’s firewalls.

The Kraken organization has built a reputation in the NHL for how it leverages cutting-edge technology
across player, employee and fan experiences. The IT staff plays a key role in enabling technological
innovation across the franchise, which includes supporting a software development team that builds and

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2024 Edition 272
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