Cybersecurity Teams Prepare for Potential Cyberattacks at 2024 Paris Olympics

As the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics approach in July,cybersecurity teamsare intensifying their efforts to protect the Games from potential cyberattacks. To test their defenses, they are enlisting the help of friendly hackers, similar to how boxers use sparring partners to prepare for a championship fight.

Why this matters: The success of the Paris Olympics' cybersecurity efforts has implications for the security of future large-scale international events, and a breach could have far-reaching consequences for the safety and integrity of global sporting competitions. Moreover, the threats posed by state-sponsored hackers and cybercriminals highlight the need for increased international cooperation on cybersecurity issues.

The Paris Games organizers' cybersecurity hub, led by Jérémy Couture, is working to spot, analyze, and respond to cyberthreats, but its location remains secret. Cybersecurity experts believe that malicious hackers, including cybercriminals, "hacktivists," and state-sponsored operatives, will attempt to disrupt the Games.

Russia, which has been barred from competing in team events at the Paris Games, is seen as a prime suspect due to its proven offensive hacking capabilities and ongoing war in Ukraine. France's nationalcybersecurity agency, ANSSI, has trained"enormously"to prepare for the Games, with its head, Vincent Strubel, stating that the agency has managed to stay a step ahead of potential attackers.

The agency has consulted with technicians who worked on the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, where a malware attack dubbed "Olympic Destroyer" disrupted the opening ceremony. Jérémy Couture, head of the Paris Games organizers' cybersecurity hub, said, "My dream for the Olympics is that technology and cybersecurity aren't talked about, because that will mean it was a non-issue." ready, test, defense, hackers

However, Vincent Strubel warns,"There will be cyberattacks during the Games and the Paralympics. Some won't be serious. Some will be serious but won't have an impact on the Games. And perhaps there will be some that are serious and liable to have an impact on the Games. "With 10,500 Olympians converging on France's capital in July, the cybersecurity teams face an unprecedented level of threats as they work to ensure a smooth and successful Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Key Takeaways

• Cybersecurity teams are intensifying efforts to protect 2024 Paris Olympics from cyberattacks.
• Friendly hackers are being enlisted to test defenses, similar to sparring partners in boxing.
• Russia is seen as a prime suspect due to its hacking capabilities and ongoing war in Ukraine.
• France's national cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, has trained extensively to prepare for the Games.
• Cybersecurity teams expect some cyberattacks during the Games, but aim to minimize impact.