Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Strengthening Your Digital Foundation for the World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to bring a global audience to our region, your business’s digital infrastructure needs to be just as ready as your front line. From accepting international payments to protecting customer data, now’s the time to make sure your systems are secure, efficient, and able to handle the increased demand.
Key Areas to Evaluate:
Payments & Currency Options. International visitors may bring a variety of payment preferences. Is your point-of-sale system user-friendly and able to accept multiple currencies or payment types (like mobile wallets and international cards)?
Cybersecurity threats. Large events can attract scammers and hackers. Phishing emails, malware, and point-of-sale breaches are more common during high-traffic times.
Privacy and compliance. Collecting data from international visitors brings extra responsibility. Are your website and systems compliant with data privacy laws like GDPR?
Action Items to Get Digitally Ready:
Evaluate your payment systems. Confirm they’re secure, updated, and capable of handling international transactions. If not, work with your payment processor to add that functionality now.
Strengthen cybersecurity. Require strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and provide basic cyber training to your staff. Remind everyone to be cautious of suspicious emails or unusual system activity.
Review your privacy policy. Make sure it clearly explains how customer data is collected, stored, and used—especially if you're collecting information from international visitors or through online forms.
Secure your website. Use HTTPS encryption, install a trusted SSL certificate, and ensure your online store or booking platform meets PCI compliance standards for payment security.
Establish IT support. Whether it’s an in-house team or a third-party provider, make sure you know who to call if something goes wrong—and that they’re ready to respond quickly.
Back up your data regularly. Use secure, off-site or cloud-based backups to protect critical information and ensure continuity if your systems go down.
Consider a CRM system. A customer relationship management (CRM) tool helps you track leads, manage customer data, and follow up effectively—especially important if you're expecting new visitors during the event.
Strong infrastructure and cybersecurity aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential for protecting your reputation, your customers, and your bottom line.
The Chamber is here to support your success. Visit our Member Directory to find trusted IT and payment vendors that can help you, or reach out to the Chamber for help getting connected.
As the global spotlight turns to our region for the FIFA World Cup 26™, businesses across Blue Springs have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine. Whether you’re looking to boost visibility, prepare your staff, or stay ahead of changing regulations, this series will help you stay informed and ready. Each month, we’ll share tips, tools, and timely updates to support your planning and keep your business running smoothly during this major international event. Let’s make sure we’re not just watching from the sidelines—we’re ready to win!
The Blue Springs Chamber is proud to be a collaborator in KC Game Plan, a new readiness initiative from KC2026 to help small businesses prepare for opportunities tied to FIFA World Cup 26™. Learn more about this small business initiative here: https://kansascityfwc2026.com/kc-game-plan/.
