Cisco: more security and connection for international NFL games
Cisco Enterprise Networking and Cybersecurity Solutions Will Support League Operations at the 2024 NFL International Games in Brazil, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as Spain in 2025
- The NFL and Cisco announced they are using Cisco enterprise networking and cybersecurity solutions to connect and secure the 2024 NFL International Games and the 2025 NFL Madrid Game.
- With the expanded partnership, the NFL’s international operations leverage Cisco solutions, including switching for networking, as well as a combination of on-premise hardware and cloud-based software from the Cisco Security portfolio.
- This announcement builds on an existing relationship between the NFL and Cisco, which has served as the Official Enterprise Networking Partner and Official Cybersecurity Partner of the NFL since 2021.
The National Football League will use Cisco enterprise networking and cybersecurity solutions to connect and secure the 2024/25 NFL International Games. Through the agreement, the NFL will rely on the same Cisco technologies and expertise used for the Super Bowl, NFL Draft and NFL Kickoff to strengthen its operations at a series of international games in San Francisco. Paolo, in London, in Munich in 2024 and in Madrid in 2025.
Over the past few years, the NFL and Cisco have worked together to develop a networking and cybersecurity strategy, using Cisco networking, security and observability solutions. The NFL’s growing international operations are also employing this strategy, with solutions that include switching for networking and a combination of on-premise hardware and cloud-based software from the Cisco Security portfolio, including Cisco Umbrella, Cisco Cisco Secure Malware Analytics.
“Cisco has been an important partner of the NFL for many years, providing the network technology and cybersecurity we rely on to connect and protect our most important events, as well as our daily operations“said Gary Brantley, NFL Chief Information Officer. “As we continue to expand our presence globally, Cisco’s proven track record allows us to operate with confidence“.
Internationally, the NFL requires a technology infrastructure that prioritizes simplicity, visibility, reliability and security. Cisco Secure Firewall helps the NFL with end-to-end visibility, simplified security management and network segmentation across both distributed and hybrid networks, while Cisco XDR enables the league to investigate, prioritize and remediate the highest priority incidents with speed, efficiency and decisiveness powered by artificial intelligence. During Super Bowl LVIII last February, this implementation successfully stopped 39,000 security compromise attempts and 354,000 connections to or from blacklisted areas of the world, ensuring the network continued to function without any disruption.
“The NFL International Games represent a huge opportunity for the NFL, we are proud to be the partner that provides the connectivity and security needed to operate globally“said Rob McQueen, Vice President of Global Sponsorships at Cisco. “Failure is not an option in an industry that generates intense pressure for everything to function correctly: Cisco technology continues to deliver positive results in leagues, for teams and in stadiums around the world“.
Furthermore, Cisco sponsored the first edition of the NFL Flag European Continental Series, which saw the participation of the Under 14 women’s national champions from 5 European countries: Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain.
This announcement builds on the existing relationship between the NFL and Cisco, which, as of 2021, is the Official Enterprise Networking Partner and Official Cybersecurity Partner of the NFL. Additionally, replay control rooms at NFL stadiums use Cisco technology to connect to Art McNally Gameday Central in New York. Finally, nearly all official league partners and two-thirds of NFL stadiums rely on Cisco technology, including Levi’s Stadium and SoFi Stadium, venues for Super Bowl LX and LXI.
Information about the National Football League
The National Football League is America’s most popular sports league, made up of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the largest annual sporting event in the world. Founded in 1920, the NFL developed the blueprint for modern sports league success, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence and strong franchises across the country.
About Cisco
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