England's footballers were advised on how to protect their personal information upon arrival in Russia.GETTY IMAGES
England footballers were briefed by U.K. Government Communications HQ on "how to protect their personal information and possessions while in Russia," according to Lawton & Mokbel of the London DAILY MAIL. The squad was "given guidance on security issues including how to hide their belongings in their hotel rooms." As they touched down at their World Cup training HQ on Monday, details of the briefing -- which had a "particular emphasis on cyber security" -- were revealed. Spy bosses "stopped short" of giving them temporary "burner phones," which would be used only for their trip and then destroyed. Instead, protective software was added to the team's phones and devices, "which will only be removed on their return." Team members were also advised not to access their online bank accounts while away and to "avoid any online activity that, if made public, could embarrass them" (DAILY MAIL, 6/12).
'MAKE NO MISTAKE': REUTERS' Mark Hosenball reported U.S. National Counterintelligence & Security Center Dir William Evanina is advising Americans traveling to Russia for the World Cup that they "should not take electronic devices because they are likely to be hacked by criminals or the Russian government." Evanina warned World Cup travelers that "even if they think they are insignificant, hackers could still target them." He said, "If you're planning on taking a mobile phone, laptop, PDA or other electronic device with you -- make no mistake -- any data on those devices (especially your personally identifiable information) may be accessed by the Russian government or cyber criminals" (REUTERS, 6/12).
