The NFL's George Griesler on securing the Super Bowl and reducing risk through collaboration

In a recent episode of The Future of Security Operations podcast, George Griesler, a veteran in cybersecurity since 1997, shared his extensive experience in protecting large-scale events, particularly as the Senior Director of Cybersecurity at the NFL. The discussion covered the evolution of security operations from his early days at the USGA to his current role in securing the Super Bowl, highlighting the complexities of managing threats in both digital and physical arenas. Griesler emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations like CISA, the FBI, and local partners, as well as the integration of automation and AI in incident response. He also underscored the critical need for a culture of security awareness and knowledge sharing among teams, which is essential for handling the high-pressure environment of live sports events. The conversation touched upon the challenges of securing various elements, such as scoreboard systems and player identities, against potential cyber threats, while also preparing for possible disruptions, as evidenced by the recent MGM Resorts cyber attack.