Winning an NBA championship after 53 years should be a reason for everyone within an organization to celebrate. However, several Madison Square Garden employees hoping to receive a piece of New York Knicks history instead found themselves attending mandatory cybersecurity training.
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Madison Square Garden sent employees a deceptive email in September, apparently offering them complimentary championship rings to celebrate the Knicks’ first NBA title since 1973.
The message congratulated recipients and informed them that they could select between two personalized ring designs, named “Championship Gold” and “Garden Classic.” The offer even promised the same craftsmanship as the players’ rings, with no cost to employees.
There was just one problem: The rings didn’t exist. The email was actually an internal phishing simulation designed to test whether employees would click suspicious links. Those who attempted to claim their supposed championship jewelry were instead required to attend a mandatory cybersecurity class.
According to multiple team sources cited by The Athletic, the exercise was intended to address growing cybersecurity concerns held by Knicks owner James Dolan.
The situation becomes even more awkward considering that numerous longtime Madison Square Garden employees, including some working within the Knicks’ business operations, reportedly won’t receive championship rings at all.
The controversy extended to the team’s coaching staff during Tuesday’s championship ceremony. Knicks assistant coaches were reportedly handed empty ring boxes in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd, having been informed that their actual rings would arrive at a later date.
An MSG Sports spokesperson declined to discuss the ring distribution when contacted by The Athletic.
While simulated phishing emails are a common corporate cybersecurity practice, using the promise of a long-awaited championship ring as bait adds a particularly unfortunate twist to the situation.
After more than half a century without an NBA title, the Knicks finally had something extraordinary to celebrate. Unfortunately for some of the people working behind the scenes, the only reward they received was a lesson in internet security.
