The French National Police’s dedicated cybercrime unit, known as OFAC, is intensifying its operations ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, recognizing the elevated threat of cyberattacks to the event. OFAC, operating under the National Directorate of the Judicial Police, was inaugurated in December and has already played a role in the apprehension of a suspected member of the Hive ransomware group. With a staff of 180, the agency aims to bolster its efforts by establishing cybercrime units for each French territorial department within the next three years, contributing to the prevention, detection, and investigation of cybercrimes.
OFAC, headquartered in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, replaces the sub-directorate for the fight against cybercrime and the central office to combat information and communication technology crime. The agency’s missions include investigation, education, detection, and information dissemination. Recognizing the enduring threat of cyberattacks, particularly in disrupting ticket purchase systems or hacking internal systems, OFAC is gearing up its capabilities to safeguard the 2024 Summer Olympics. The agency emphasizes the importance of reporting ransomware attacks and fraud, urging French citizens to use the government’s anonymous reporting platform, Thesee.
The collaboration extends beyond law enforcement, as OFAC is set to work with various entities such as the French military, customs, and competition and consumer affairs. The agency’s multifaceted approach involves leading national and internal investigations into cybercrimes conducted over electronic telecommunication systems. Additionally, OFAC will focus on intelligence collection and sharing with international law enforcement agencies to trace illicit cybercrime proceeds laundered through cryptocurrency assets. The move comes in response to an increase in ransomware attacks and cyber threats targeting France’s critical infrastructure, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving challenges.
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