As France gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, cybersecurity is a major concern, with an expected uptick in cyber attacks, particularly those originating from Russia. The cybersecurity defenders, dubbed ‘cyberwarriors’, are actively preparing by studying potential hackers’ strengths, tactics, and weaknesses. These threats range from teenage hackers and ransomware gangs to sophisticated military hackers from countries like Russia, known for their ability to disrupt major international events. The cybersecurity team’s ultimate goal is to ensure that the Olympics and Paralympics proceed without any significant cybersecurity incidents.
Jérémy Couture, who leads the Paris Games organizers’ cybersecurity hub, expressed his hope that cybersecurity will not be a topic of discussion during the games, indicating a smooth and issue-free event. The location of the cybersecurity hub is kept secret due to the sensitivity and critical nature of their work. The team’s primary objective is to remain out of the spotlight, likening their success to winning a medal by maintaining the integrity and functionality of all systems throughout the event.
Vincent Strubel, head of France’s national cybersecurity agency (ANSSI), has described the cyberthreat level facing the Olympics as unprecedented. He anticipates various degrees of cyberattacks during the Games and the Paralympics, some of which may not be serious, while others could potentially disrupt the events. ANSSI has undergone extensive training to prepare for these threats, with Strubel expressing confidence that they have managed to stay a step ahead of potential attackers.
The backdrop to these preparations includes historical cybersecurity incidents, such as the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, where a Russian military intelligence unit known as Sandworm used malware to disrupt the opening ceremony. Learning from past events, Paris’ cybersecurity teams have consulted with technicians who worked on the Pyeongchang Games, aiming to fortify their defenses against similar attacks. This proactive approach underscores the critical nature of cybersecurity in safeguarding international sporting events against complex and evolving threats.
