Pranav Nair
Manchester United transfer plans at risk after scouting database hack
According to the Mirror, the Manchester United transfer plans may have been compromised following the club’s ongoing cyber attack scandal.
The Premier League giants fear that confidential material regarding player targets and active scouting missions may have been affected. (h/t Mirror)
This revelation comes a week after the club admitted that they were victims of a cyber-attack. The assault has left staff still locked out of club email accounts even a week after the event. (h/t The Sun)
The club has brought in a team of technical experts to contain the damage. However, they could face a £15million fine if they decide to pay off the hackers. (h/t The Sun)
This is because United is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and owned by Americans meaning they are subject to US law. Paying off the hackers would amount to breaking legislation. Such an action can be sanctioned by the US Treasury. (h/t Mirror)
Meanwhile it can also hit recruitment hard with the January transfer window just over a month away. The club operates an extensive global scouting operation with advanced planning well underway ahead of the next two windows.
Like other top clubs, United uses an online scouting system based on analysis, data, and video footage. According to the report, the system is being looked at as part of the forensic investigation. (h/t Mirror)
Files are kept on transfer targets and the confidential material inside as well as United stars’ sensitive private information may have been targeted. United say they are not aware of any fan data being compromised. (h/t The Sun)
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The club insists internal services are nearly back to normal. They also added that no external operator has control of their systems. (h/t Mirror)
Needless to say, it is an unnecessary complication when it comes to footballing activities. Thankfully, the team appears to be doing well on the pitch.
The come-from-behind win over Southampton should ensure morale remains high going into the Champions League tie against PSG.
