On Sunday during the Euro 2024 match between Poland and the Netherlands, TVP Sport, a prominent Polish sports channel, encountered a severe cyberattack that disrupted its broadcast. The attack, identified as a DDoS (denial-of-service) incident originating from IP addresses located within Poland itself, targeted TVP Sport’s systems, leading to an interruption in the live stream of the game. This disruption occurred precisely at 15:00 GMT, impacting viewers who were unable to access the channel’s website to watch the initial stages of the match.
Jakub Kwiatkowski, the director of TVP Sport, promptly informed the public about the cyberattack through social media channels. He acknowledged the nature of the attack and the inconvenience caused to fans trying to follow the Euro 2024 action online. Despite the challenges posed by the cyber incident, IT teams managed to restore access to the TVP Sport website by the start of the second half of the Poland-Netherlands game, allowing viewers to catch up on the match.
The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities that media organizations face in the digital age, particularly during high-profile events such as international sports tournaments. Cyberattacks, like the one experienced by TVP Sport, underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against disruptions that impact millions of viewers relying on digital platforms for real-time updates and live broadcasts.
In the aftermath of the attack, Jakub Kwiatkowski issued a statement apologizing to viewers for the disruption caused by the cyber incident. The swift response from TVP Sport’s IT teams ensured that the impact on viewers was minimized, with normal broadcasting services resuming in time for the crucial stages of the Poland-Netherlands match. As the tournament progresses, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role cybersecurity plays in maintaining uninterrupted access to live sports events and other digital content.
