Knicks sent employees fake offer of championship rings in phishing test: Report
Ars Technica • • sports
Key Points:
- The New York Knicks sent employees a phishing test email in late September offering free championship rings, aiming to assess staff awareness of scam emails amid growing cybersecurity concerns from owner James Dolan.
- Employees who clicked the phishing link were required to attend mandatory cybersecurity training, following a recent hack and extortion incident involving Madison Square Garden (MSG) staff credentials.
- The phishing email appeared plausible, offering a choice between two ring designs and suggesting a complimentary championship ring, which caused confusion since not all MSG employees are guaranteed rings.
- MSG later acknowledged the phishing test as an "unfortunate mistake" and announced plans to distribute over 275 championship rings and jewelry, valued at more than $3.7 million, to players, coaches, employees, and others involved with the Knicks.
- The incident highlights common corporate practices of phishing simulations to improve security, though using a high-value lure like championship rings was unusual and drew significant attention.
