BE VIGILANT

U.S. Warns Citizens Russia Will Hack Phones at the World Cup

Says to leave unnecessary devices at home.

Americans traveling to the soccer World Cup in Russia have been warned that their phones and other devices are liable to be hacked by criminals or the Russian government. William Evanina, an FBI agent and director of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center, warned U.S. soccer fans that even if they think their devices and data are insignificant, hackers could still target them. “If you’re planning on taking a mobile phone, laptop, PDA, or other electronic device with you—make no mistake—any data on those devices (especially your personally identifiable information) may be accessed by the Russian government or cybercriminals,” said Evanina. “If you can do without the device, don’t take it. If you must take one, take a different device from your usual one and remove the battery when not in use.” Similar warnings have been issued to the British public and the England soccer team.