Cybersecurity 
Some common cyber threats facing the retail industry include ransomware attacks, social engineering, system intrusions and insider threats. The retail sector is often targeted by cybercriminals
In the intense arena of Formula 1 racing, every millisecond counts – not just on the track but also in protecting the valuable data that drives success. Williams Racing, a team that has an impressive record in F1 with nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships, recently faced a critical challenge: securing sensitive data across a global operation while maintaining the lightning-fast access their team needs to compete.
The need for speed (and security)
For a Formula 1 team like Williams Racing, data is as important as fuel. Every race weekend, the team collects terabytes of information – from telemetry data to video footage – to help plan their strategies and drive vehicle development. However, racing in 21 different countries over a 10-month season presents unique cybersecurity challenges.
Cybersecurity, your threats and how you protect yourself is of fundamental importance. And it’s not spoken about often enough at all.
– James Vowles, Team Principal at Williams Racing
The team faced several critical challenges:
- Managing passwords securely across hundreds of team members accessing race and development data
- Maintaining visibility and control over password access for a globally distributed workforce
- Ensuring consistent security across all devices in high-risk cybersecurity regions
- Efficiently managing user access when team members joined or left the organization
Finding the right pit crew for cybersecurity
Williams Racing turned to Keeper Security’s password management solution to address these challenges. The choice wasn’t just about securing passwords – it was about implementing a security strategy that could keep pace with the demanding world of F1.
We need an infrastructure that works across every location, whether it’s the UK or countries with elevated cybersecurity risks. Keeper allows us to confidently give the team access to critical systems, no matter where they are.
– Harry Wilson, Head of Information Security at Williams Racing
The winning formula
Implementing Keeper’s password management solution brought several key advantages, including centralized control, seamless integration and enhanced security features.
1. Centralized control
With Keeper’s zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture, Williams Racing gained a secure solution for managing all credentials. This eliminated risky password practices while maintaining strict security standards.
2. Seamless integration
Keeper integrated smoothly with Williams Racing’s existing Identity Provider (IdP), making it easier to securely manage user accounts and transfer credentials as staff changed.
3. Enhanced security features
Keeper’s strong security measures, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), provided complete protection for sensitive race data and valuable intellectual property.
4. User-friendly implementation
Keeper’s user-friendly design, along with its comprehensive documentation, facilitated high levels of adoption among both technical and non-technical team members.
Crossing the finish line: The results
The impact of implementing Keeper was immediate and significant. Williams Racing saw:
- Improved protection of sensitive data with full visibility into organizational password strength and usage
- Reduced time spent managing credentials, allowing team members to focus on core tasks
- Minimized risk of cyber attacks, even when working in high-risk regions
- Significant reduction in password-related help desk tickets
- Enhanced usability for non-technical staff during high-pressure race weekends
Once we had Keeper up and running, we were able to use the built-in capability to assess password strength, password reuse across different users and different vaults, to report on that… and run a project to remove any reused passwords across our infrastructure.
– Harry Wilson, Head of Information Security at Williams Racing
The road ahead
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, staying ahead isn’t just about vehicle performance; it’s about protecting the innovation and data that drive success. With Keeper, Williams Racing has found a partner that matches their need for speed with enterprise-grade security.
We need data. We need cybersecurity. We need IT infrastructure. And we need the ability for people to work in a safe environment. And that’s irrespective of whether they are here in the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world.
– James Vowles, Team Principal at Williams Racing
By implementing Keeper’s solution, Williams Racing has not only secured their operations but also set a new standard for cybersecurity in motorsport, proving that in the race for cybersecurity, having the right partner makes all the difference.
