The Seattle Kraken, the newest addition to the National Hockey League, has set its sights on not only dominating on the ice but also in the realm of cybersecurity. With a dedicated IT and security team tasked with safeguarding the team’s digital assets and sensitive information, the Kraken is taking proactive measures to keep cyber attackers at bay.
The Kraken’s IT team, comprised of six individuals, is responsible for overseeing the security of over 260 employees and their devices both at home and on the go, in addition to managing the organization’s servers and private networks. This team also manages the Kraken Community Iceplex, a public space that sees up to 1000 visitors per day utilizing its free Wi-Fi network, all of which traffic passes over the Kraken’s firewalls.
Known for their cutting-edge technology and innovative approach to player, employee, and fan experiences, the Kraken organization places a high value on technological advancement across the franchise. This includes supporting a software development team that creates and maintains a fan-facing app with player stats and team information, as well as software for coaching and player development.
Despite the team’s unique challenges, such as staff and scouts traveling globally, the Kraken IT team identified the need for a unified security platform to effectively defend against cybersecurity threats. Switching to the WatchGuard Unified Security platform during the current season was a strategic move to enhance the team’s cybersecurity defenses quickly and seamlessly.
The deployment of WatchGuard Firebox firewalls, anti-virus, and patch management, along with endpoint security and extended detection and response capabilities, has provided the Kraken IT team with comprehensive visibility and threat monitoring across their network. This integrated solution has streamlined their cybersecurity workflow and enabled them to prioritize potential threats effectively.
Looking ahead to the next season, the Kraken IT team plans to integrate additional components of WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform, particularly focusing on identity and access management. This includes implementing single sign-on and multi-factor authentication to enhance overall security measures and protect against compromised credentials.
With the support of WatchGuard’s advanced security solutions, the Kraken team remains vigilant in monitoring and defending against evolving cyber threats in an increasingly complex landscape. By implementing a multilayered security approach designed for ease-of-use, the Kraken IT team has the tools to keep cyber attackers at bay and safeguard their valuable assets.
In conclusion, the Seattle Kraken’s commitment to cybersecurity demonstrates their dedication to upholding the integrity of their organization and protecting their valuable data. With the help of cutting-edge technology and a proactive security strategy, the Kraken continues to strengthen their defenses both on and off the ice.