As part of Interpol’s “Stadia” initiative, Kaspersky collaborated with the agency to enhance cybersecurity for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.
Moroccan law enforcement authorities leveraged Kaspersky’s threat intelligence data to monitor and mitigate potential cyber risks targeting the tournament, its participants, fans, and the host nation.
Major Sporting Events as Cybercrime Targets
High-profile sporting events attract global attention, making them prime targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gain through scams and digital attacks. Kaspersky continues to support international law enforcement in safeguarding such events, while educating fans on potential cyber threats and safe online practices.
Sharing Threat Intelligence to Ensure a Safe Digital Environment
To ensure a secure online environment during the Africa Cup of Nations, Kaspersky shared detailed cyber threat data with Interpol. These threats targeted the tournament, participants, viewers, and Morocco as the host nation. Key threats included:
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Compromised credentials: Kaspersky’s Digital Footprint Intelligence team identified 2,116,000 leaked credentials on the dark web, mostly linked to Moroccan users or organizations. These accounts were exposed via infostealer malware designed to steal login information, financial details, and sensitive data.
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Cyber activist activity: Between September and December 2025, Kaspersky observed a notable increase in cyber activist operations in Morocco. Approximately 300 messages were published claiming cyberattacks against the country, with DDoS attacks and website defacement among the most common tactics.
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Fraudulent websites: Kaspersky detected multiple scam websites collecting user data and payment information, falsely claiming to sell tournament tickets or offering prizes for predicting match outcomes.
Kaspersky Highlights the Importance of Public-Private Collaboration
Yulia Shleischkova, Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Kaspersky, commented:
“Major international tournaments are highly attractive targets for attackers aiming to exploit millions of fans through diverse fraud schemes. Strengthening cooperation between public and private sectors is essential to unify efforts against cybercrime and ensure a safe experience for fans. Kaspersky is proud to contribute to Interpol’s mission, bringing stakeholders together to uphold global cybersecurity standards.”
Interpol’s Role in Coordinating Cybersecurity Efforts
Interpol-led initiatives play a critical role in coordinating cybersecurity efforts for major sporting events. Kaspersky continues to actively participate in such joint projects, including recent involvement in Paris 2024 Olympic Games cybersecurity and the 2025 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.
This collaboration underscores the importance of combining technological expertise with international security coordination to protect global events and provide fans with a safe, secure digital experience.
