Stay cybersafe, Seattle! Protect yourself during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

As Seattle prepares to host six major matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s eyes—and millions of devices—will be tuned into our city. Large global events bring excitement, tourism, and celebration, but they also bring increased cyber risks. Whether you’re attending a match, streaming from home, or simply navigating daily life, this is an important moment to protect your digital footprint.

Here’s how to stay cyber‑smart while Seattle shines on the world stage.

Keep your devices updated

Before the tournament begins, take a few minutes to update your laptop, phone, and tablet, since updates patch important security vulnerabilities and help prevent older devices from becoming slow or unstable during periods of heavy use. Installing updates ahead of time also helps you avoid large system downloads right before heading to an event or traveling, which can cause frustrating delays. If your device is acting sluggish, a simple restart often clears up common issues—just close all apps, power the device off completely, wait for one minute, and then turn it back on.

Watch out for phishing and scams

Cybercriminals take advantage of global events by sending fake messages related to tickets, travel confirmations, promotions, password resets, or so‑called urgent account problems. These scams are designed to catch people off guard during busy, high‑traffic moments, exactly the kind of environment the World Cup creates.

Common scam schemes

• Email phishing: Fake emails that look official but contain malicious links.
• Spear phishing: Personalized messages designed to trick you.
• Smishing & vishing: Scam text messages and phone calls.
• Quishing: Malicious QR codes—common at events and public spaces.
• Pretexting: Someone pretending to be support staff to gain trust.
• Baiting: “Free” downloads, giveaways, or USB drives.

Play good defense by staying alert and evaluating messages carefully. Pause before you click, because urgency is often a tactic used to pressure you into making a quick mistake. Never share your passwords or login information with anyone, and if you receive a message that raises questions, verify it by contacting the company directly through official channels. Be wary of unexpected attachments or links, and trust your instincts if something simply feels off.

Be careful around Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi‑Fi during major events is also a common target for cyberattacks, so practice safe browsing when you’re out and about. Avoid logging into banking apps, shopping accounts, or other sensitive services on public networks. Make sure your devices are not set to auto‑connect to available Wi‑Fi, and always double‑check that the network you’re joining is legitimate. When possible, use a VPN for an extra layer of protection.

How to report scams
If you encounter a suspicious message, website, QR code, or phone call, reporting helps protect the whole community.

Report scams aimed at utility customers:

Report online criminal activity:

Federal Resources

As fans from around the world arrive in Seattle, let’s make sure our city stays safe, connected, and secure. Updating your devices, being cautious with links and messages, and reporting suspicious activity all make a big difference.