CyberCX extends Australian Open cyber security deal

CyberCX will return as the Australian Open's Official Cyber Security Partner in 2026, extending a relationship that has run for four years.

The agreement keeps CyberCX linked to one of the region's biggest sporting events as organisers and partners face growing scrutiny over digital resilience, data protection and fraud prevention.

CyberCX said sporting organisations and athletes face a broad range of threats. These include disruption, data theft, privacy breaches, ticketing fraud and financial fraud.

"The cyber risks to sporting codes, organisations and professional athletes are very real - ranging from disruption, data theft, privacy breaches, ticketing and financial fraud. Against the backdrop of a deteriorating threat landscape, it's more important than ever for business, government and sporting organisations to work together to secure our multi-billion dollar sports industry," said John Paitaridis, CEO, CyberCX.

Sport has become a larger target as it digitises fan engagement and expands reliance on platforms for ticketing, broadcast distribution, event operations and commercial partnerships. Major events also involve large temporary workforces and complex supplier chains, which can widen exposure to cyber incidents.

CyberCX has previously warned that the global sporting sector faces what it described as a hazardous cyber threat environment. It said Australia has become an increasingly attractive target. The company has also called for ongoing investment in cyber security across the sector.

Event operations

Security planning for major tournaments often covers networks used on-site at venues, systems that manage ticketing and accreditation, and services that support media and broadcast workflows. Organisers also manage large volumes of personal data linked to ticketing, memberships and hospitality programmes, alongside commercial and operational information that can attract criminal attention.

CyberCX positioned the partnership as part of a broader focus on sport and large events. It cited a crowded calendar of global tournaments and major events that draw large audiences in stadiums and via broadcasts.

"The Australian Open continues to go from strength to strength as Asia Pacific's marquee tennis tournament. We are proud to partner with Tennis Australia to help deliver one of the most iconic sporting events globally," said Paitaridis. "As an organisation, CyberCX's mission is to secure our communities and nothing brings our communities together like sports. From the grassroots to the stadiums, CyberCX is laser-focused on protecting and defending our sporting clubs, codes and major events," he added.

"This year promises to be a blockbuster year in sport with millions attending and billions watching major tournaments and events including the FIFA World Cup, the Men's T20 World Cup, and the Winter Olympics. This packed calendar starts in Asia with a spotlight on Melbourne Park for the Australian Open. The cyber risks to sporting codes, organisations and professional athletes are very real - ranging from disruption, data theft, privacy breaches, ticketing and financial fraud. Against the backdrop of a deteriorating threat landscape, it's more important than ever for business, government and sporting organisations to work together to secure our multi-billion dollar sports industry," said Paitaridis.

Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia said the partnership has become embedded in its broader event planning and delivery, spanning the tournament experience at Melbourne Park and off-site audiences.

"The Australian Open is built on strong partnerships, and CyberCX has become a trusted part of our team over the past four years. Their support helps us deliver a seamless, world-class event for fans, players and partners, both at Melbourne Park and around the world. We're delighted to continue working together as we kick off the tennis calendar for the year," said Cedric Cornelis, Chief Commercial Officer, Tennis Australia.

The Australian Open has grown into a large-scale digital operation, with a global audience engaging through streaming, social media and tournament apps alongside traditional broadcast coverage. That wider digital footprint can increase the impact of cyber disruption, particularly where systems connect ticketing, payments, venue operations and partner services.

Wider portfolio

CyberCX also holds an official cyber security partnership with Rugby Australia, covering the Wallabies and Wallaroos. The company said the work has included cyber incident simulation exercises, organisational risk assessments, penetration testing and an uplift in cyber security controls.

Across elite sport, organisers, clubs and governing bodies have faced increasing pressure to manage both commercial and reputational risks linked to cyber incidents, including the potential exposure of personal information and disruption to match-day operations.

The partnership continues into the next staging of the Australian Open, with CyberCX and Tennis Australia signalling a continued focus on cyber security planning as the tournament opens the tennis calendar.