“Managed Extended Detection and Response has delivered and continues to meet our stringent KPIs, providing the MCC with a level of confidence knowing that our IT assets are monitored, managed, and protected to the highest level. Given the criticality of this platform to our business, NCC Group’s solution has exceeded our expectations, and the proactiveness of the NCC Group team ensures that any risk identified is promptly mitigated and our security network is not compromised.”
The customer
Founded in 1838, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) manages the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With 157,000 members and a 188,000-strong waitlist, MCC hosts 90+ annual events, drawing 4.5 million visitors. Protecting members’ personal data and maintaining its reputation as a trusted and secure venue is paramount to keeping MCG’s status as the place to hold exceptional events.
The challenge
In 2016, MCC deployed an on-premises Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution, however the lack of 24/7 SOC coverage (posing a risk during off-hours) was at odds with the MCG’s need for round the clock monitoring and incident response capabilities. To safeguard MCG’s reputation, membership and board integrity, a more robust solution was required.
The solution
Winning the work through a competitive tender process, NCC Group’s Managed Extended Detection and Response services (MXDR) solution included comprehensive threat detection, compliance management, and automation, all whilst seamlessly integrating with existing systems. Through continuous oversight and a dedicated Service Delivery Manager (SDM), NCC Group streamlined delivery, exceeding expectations.
The benefits
Since October 2021, NCC Group has provided 99.9% system availability, strengthened security posture, and minimised cyber risks for MCC. Through compliance management, detailed reporting, and 24/7 monitoring, we assured the board and MCC members, safeguarding IT assets and data integrity.
Safeguarding an icon
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has stewarded the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since 1853, hosting over 90 events annually and welcoming nearly 4.5 million visitors. Known as the ’G’, the MCG is Australia’s premier sporting venue, renowned for exceptional customer service and commitment to heritage preservation. Despite its acclaim, MCC faced significant security challenges.
With 157,000 members and a waiting list of 188,000 more, the risks to people’s personal data needed strong mitigation. Maintaining its reputation as a trusted venue was paramount to keeping MCG’s status as the place to hold exceptional events – which have ranged from the Olympic and Commonwealth Games to major concerts by Taylor Swift and Eminem.
Safety concerns
In 2016, MCC deployed an on-premises Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution to strengthen their cyber defences. However, the lack of 24/7 coverage posed risks, creating a pressing need for continuous cyber risk mitigation to safeguard against potential reputational damage, public scrutiny, and negative impacts on membership and board credibility.
A strategic connection
In 2021, MCC started a rigorous tender process to secure a Security Operations Centre (SOC) supplier with advanced abilities in:
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Threat management: Detecting complex external attacks and internal fraud that can otherwise be missed
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Compliance management: Providing accountability (proving who did what and when), transparency (providing visibility into the security controls, business applications and assets that are being protected) and measurability (metrics and reporting around risk within a company)
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Operational efficiency: Streamlining tasks and optimising staff efficiency. For example, the ability to look at 10-20 prioritised events per day versus thousands of alerts
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Resourcing: Access to a global team of specialised security analysts
NCC Group emerged as the preferred SOC supplier, seamlessly integrating our managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solution with MCC's existing systems.
Our secure cyber solution
Our MXDR solution included comprehensive event information collection, real-time threat detection and alerting, robust reporting, historical data analysis, incident management, and automation. Through dedicated project management and meticulous onboarding, we guaranteed flawless implementation, surpassing MCC's expectations and delivering on time.
The outcome
Since October 2021, NCC Group have maintained 99.9% system availability for MCC, significantly maturing their security posture while minimising cyber risk exposure. Our MXDR solution instilled confidence in MCC’s board and members, ensuring the protection of critical IT assets and data integrity through detailed compliance management, continuous monitoring, and swift response capabilities.
Rey Sumaru, General Manager of IT and Innovation at Melbourne Cricket Club is delighted with our solution. “The solution has delivered and continues to meet our stringent KPIs, providing the MCC with a level of confidence knowing that our IT assets are monitored, managed, and protected to the highest level.
Given the criticality of this platform to our business, NCC Group’s solution has exceeded our expectations, and the proactiveness of the NCC Group team ensures that any risk identified is promptly mitigated and our security network is not compromised.”
Competitive advantages of NCC Group’s MXDR solution
NCC Group stands out in the market due to seamless integration capabilities, robust threat detection technology, and a proactive approach to cyber defence. Combining advanced technology with personalised service, our customised solution provides MCC with operational efficiencies and comprehensive protection.
Our MXDR solution has fortified MCC's cyber defences and solidified our role as a trusted supplier in safeguarding the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This successful collaboration emphasises our commitment to excellence in cybersecurity, providing sustained peace of mind to one of Australia’s most esteemed sporting and events venues.
In 2024, NCC Group won Splunk’s Global Services Market Partner of the Year, a testament to our innovative capabilities and unwavering commitment to its customers’ cyber security.
NCC Group exists to make the world safer and more secure.
As global experts in cyber security and risk mitigation, NCC Group is trusted by over 14,000 customers worldwide to protect their most critical assets from the ever-changing threat landscape.
Get started on your cyber security journey.
Our experts are ready to help you stay ahead in a constantly changing threat landscape. Contact us today to learn more about what NCC Group can do for your organization's unique cyber security needs.