Renato Dall'Ara (foto: Getty Images)
Bologna falls victim to a major cyberattack, compromising 200GB of sensitive data. Hackers threaten to release the information publicly after the Serie A club refuses to negotiate.
Bologna FC confirmed today that it has been the target of a significant cyberattack this week, endangering at least 200 gigabytes of data, including business secrets, emails, and personal information of season ticket holders and staff. The notorious hacker group RansomHub has claimed responsibility for the attack, reportedly aiming to extort the Serie A club financially.
The attack has left Bologna without access to the compromised files, which include sensitive documents and personal data, making it one of the most serious breaches in the club's history.
Hackers ridicule Bologna's poor cybersecurity
Following the attack, RansomHub released a statement publicly mocking Bologna’s “extremely weak online security measures”, alleging that the club has failed to comply with basic EU-mandated cybersecurity regulations.
Bologna has reported the incident to the relevant authorities but has refused to negotiate with the hackers. In retaliation, RansomHub has threatened to publicly release the stolen data by Sunday if their demands are not met.
What’s at stake?
The stolen data reportedly includes:
- Business secrets and financial documents
- Internal email communications
- Personal information of season ticket holders
- Employee records and other critical documents
Bologna’s refusal to engage in negotiations with RansomHub aligns with standard advice from cybersecurity experts, but it leaves the club facing the risk of its sensitive data being leaked.
A wake-up call for online security in football
This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of football clubs to cyberattacks, with hackers increasingly targeting sports organizations for financial extortion. As Bologna deals with the aftermath of this breach, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in compliance with EU regulations.
With Sunday’s deadline looming, Bologna’s data—and its reputation—hang in the balance as the club awaits further developments.