Just like Olympic athletes, the cyberwarriors crucial to the success of the Paris Games are intensively training for the event. They are working with friendly hackers to probe their cyberdefenses and are analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of potential opponents, ranging from teenage hackers to Russian military operatives. The cybersecurity engineers working behind the scenes of the Olympics hope to remain out of the spotlight and ensure that their digital defenses hold up against any attempts to disrupt the Games.
The cybersecurity team’s primary goal is to prevent any major incidents during the Olympics and Paralympics by defending against potential cyberthreats. They aim for seamless technology and cybersecurity operations to avoid any disruptions. Attackers could include cybercriminals, hacktivists, and state-backed cyber operatives looking to make a political statement or gain financially. Of particular concern are hostile countries like Russia, known for offensive hacking capabilities, who may want to embarrass France and the International Olympic Committee.
Russia, barred from competing in team events due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is seen as a top suspect for potential cyberattacks against the Paris Games. The national cybersecurity agency in France has labeled the cyberthreat level facing the event as unprecedented, acknowledging that attacks are expected during the Games. With training and preparation at an all-time high, officials are confident in their ability to stay ahead of potential attackers. The agency has avoided focusing on any one specific actor, instead preparing for a range of possible threats.
Among the most concerning cyberadversaries are state-sponsored groups like Russia’s GRU military intelligence unit Sandworm, known for disruptive attacks using malware and viruses. The 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang experienced disruptions during the opening ceremony attributed to this unit, highlighting the potential risk associated with advanced cyber capabilities. Paris’ cybersecurity teams have consulted with experts who worked on previous events to learn from past experiences and ensure they are well-prepared for any potential threats.
While preparations for the Paris Games have received generally positive feedback from cybersecurity experts, some gaps in online infrastructure security still exist. Sweden-based firm Outpost24 commended the overall readiness but noted areas for improvement to enhance protection against cybercriminals hoping to exploit increased online activity around the event. By maintaining a proactive approach to cybersecurity, Paris organizers aim to prevent any disruptions and maintain secure operations throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
