Manchester United suffer ‘sophisticated cyber attack by organised criminals’

The Red Devils have confirmed the attack with their game this weekend against West Bromwich Albion unaffected

Manchester United were the victims of a cyber attack described as a “sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals”, the club has confirmed.

The Red Devils revealed on Friday evening that they are currently working to “minimise” the disruption, while the game against West Brom on Saturday will go ahead as planned.

The club also revealed that they have been prepared for such an attack and that they are currently unaware of any breach of personal data associated with fans. 

An official statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that the club has experienced a cyber attack on our systems.

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“The club has taken swift action to contain the attack and is currently working with expert advisers to investigate the incident and minimise the ongoing IT disruption.

Manchester United confirmed that they have suffered a cyber attack on Friday (Getty)

“Although this is a sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals, the club has extensive protocols and procedures in place for such an event and had rehearsed for this risk.

“Our cyber defences identified the attack and shut down affected systems to contain the damage and protect data. Club media channels, including our website and app, are unaffected and we are not currently aware of any breach of personal data associated with our fans and customers.

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“All critical systems required for matches to take place at Old Trafford remain secure and operational and tomorrow’s game against West Bromwich Albion will go ahead."

A spokesman for United added “These type of attacks are becoming more and more common and are something you have to rehearse for.”

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