In a significant move towards enhancing cybersecurity in sports, Atlético de Madrid has announced an extension of its collaboration with Google Cloud for the next two seasons. This partnership, which has already seen Google Cloud provide cybersecurity services to the women’s teams, will now extend these critical services to the men’s teams as well. As digital security becomes increasingly vital in today’s tech-driven world, Atlético de Madrid is taking proactive measures to bolster its defenses against cyber threats, ensuring a secure environment for both its operations and its fans.
Since the inception of this collaboration, Atlético de Madrid has made substantial investments in protecting operational and fan data through Google Cloud’s Backup and Disaster Recovery service. This service is designed to safeguard critical systems and ensure rapid recovery in the event of disruptions, thus reinforcing the club's commitment to cybersecurity. The partnership aims to prevent online fraud, protect analyses of team performances, and secure transactions related to ticket purchases and official merchandise.
"Our commitment to cybersecurity is clear, given that it plays a vital role in preventing fraud online, protecting our analyses of the performances of our teams, as well as protecting our fans when it comes to the purchase of tickets and official products," said an Atlético de Madrid spokesperson. Inside the stadium, a robust security system will ensure the proper functioning of essential systems, including electronic access controls and digital signage, further enhancing the safety of fans and staff alike.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development within the tech industry, Microsoft has announced an extension of its Defender AI security posture management to include Google Cloud’s Vertex AI. This move comes as organizations increasingly rely on multiple AI platforms and models to develop custom AI solutions. Microsoft’s announcement on March 24 highlights the need for enhanced security measures across various cloud platforms, including its own Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
"Organizations developing their own custom AI solutions will need to strengthen the security posture for AI that they source from multiple models, running in multiple AI platforms and clouds," Microsoft stated. The company’s Defender will soon support various AI models, including Google’s Gemini and Meta’s Llama, offering organizations a comprehensive view of their AI security posture across different environments.
In addition to this, Microsoft is rolling out new features for its Security Copilot, which is now generally available across Microsoft Defender XDR and Sentinel. This includes expanded access to Security Copilot for more customers, enhanced phishing protection for Microsoft Teams, and integrations with security data from partners like Zscaler and Recorded Future, enriching threat insights.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, EasyPark Group, a leading provider of digital parking and mobility solutions, has also announced a strategic collaboration with Google Cloud. This partnership aims to support EasyPark’s multicloud strategy and advance its AI journey. By leveraging Google Cloud’s AI technology, EasyPark intends to accelerate its global expansion and enhance operational efficiency.
"Our partnership with Google Cloud marks a significant step toward realizing our vision of creating more livable cities through technology," said Sandesh Bhat, Chief Technology Officer at EasyPark Group. The collaboration will initially focus on streamlining employee onboarding and integrating employees from recent acquisitions using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform. The solution employs an intelligent agent built with Google Cloud’s Agent Builder, designed to assist employees throughout their onboarding process.
This intelligent agent utilizes Gemini's advanced natural language processing capabilities, allowing it to respond to complex queries in multiple languages and provide personalized support. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency but also improves the overall employee experience during the onboarding and integration phases.
"As we continue our growth path, we need an efficient AI solution that is personalized, efficient, and scalable within multiple use cases," Bhat added. This collaboration is set to transform operational processes and enhance workforce productivity, ultimately delivering a superior experience to users worldwide.
On another front, Google Cloud is collaborating with CME Group to pilot solutions for wholesale payments and asset tokenization. This partnership, announced on March 25, 2025, has already completed the first phase of integration and testing of Google Cloud’s distributed ledger, the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL). This ledger aims to simplify account and asset management while facilitating transfers on a private and permissioned network.
CME Group Chairman and CEO Terry Duffy expressed optimism regarding the potential of the GCUL to deliver significant efficiencies in collateral, margin, settlement, and fee payments, especially as the financial industry moves towards 24/7 trading. "Google Cloud Universal Ledger has the potential to deliver significant efficiencies for collateral, margin, settlement, and fee payments as the world moves toward 24/7 trading," Duffy stated.
The companies plan to begin direct testing with market participants later this year, with a full launch of new services expected in 2026. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the financial sector, where distributed ledger technology is increasingly seen as a means to enhance transaction security and transparency.
As organizations across various sectors continue to embrace advanced technologies, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. From sports teams like Atlético de Madrid to tech giants like Microsoft, and from mobility innovators like EasyPark to financial leaders like CME Group, the commitment to securing digital infrastructures is paramount in navigating the evolving landscape of threats in the digital age.
