Cybersecurity analysts have identified a concerning increase in cyber threats targeting the Paris 2024 Olympics [2], with a focus on darknet activity and phishing kits tailored for the event [2].
Description
Threat actors are planning various attacks, including third-party breaches [5], infostealers [5], phishing [1] [2] [3] [5] [6], and malware like ransomware [5]. French-speaking users [5], government agencies [5], businesses [3] [5], and infrastructure providers in France are being targeted by cybercriminals. Concerns also include fake ticketing platforms [2], fraudulent merchandise sites [2], and hacktivist activities from groups with geopolitical agendas [2]. Revenue from cybersecurity services in France is expected to rise significantly in 2024 due to the Games [4] [6], with an additional increase in the rest of Europe [6]. The event’s high connectivity poses risks to systems and infrastructure, with cybercriminals preparing sophisticated techniques like DDoS attacks and hacktivist disruptions.
Experts stress the importance of robust cybersecurity measures [2], such as advanced encryption, access controls [2], and security audits [2]. Recommendations include deploying endpoint protection [2], using caution with public Wi-Fi [2], and implementing multi-factor authentication [2] [3]. French organizations are enhancing their cybersecurity posture, with a national service (ANSSI) established for cyberattack prevention [4]. While large enterprises prioritize incident management [4], smaller organizations may have lower levels of preparedness [4]. Previous Olympics have faced online disruptions [3], prompting advice on protecting against phishing [3], ransomware [1] [3] [5] [6], and business email compromise [3]. The Local Organizing Committee is collaborating with cybersecurity companies to mitigate risks [6].
Conclusion
Threats extend beyond the Olympic infrastructure to networks [6], transportation [6], hotels [6], and financial networks [6], with threat actors using tactics like ransomware [6], data exfiltration [6], social engineering [6], phishing attacks [2] [6], and denial-of-service attempts [6]. It is crucial for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses to safeguard against potential cyber threats during the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond.
References
[1] https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news/paris-olympics-cybersecurity-challenges
[2] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/paris-2024-olympics-face/
[3] https://www.cybersecurityintelligence.com/blog/warnings-over-cyber-security-at-the-paris-olympics-7783.html
[4] https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/07/16/france-olympic-games-2024-cybersecurity-services-spending/
[5] https://www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/dark-web-shows-cybercriminals-ready-for-olympics
[6] https://sportslawexpert.com/2024/07/17/report-suggests-cybersecurity-risks-at-the-olympic-games-will-be-widespread/
