Russian state-aligned threat actors Storm-1679 and Storm-1099 [3], along with APT28 and Sandworm, are conducting a disinformation campaign targeting the International Olympic Committee and the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Description
Their tactics include spreading fake news, doctored images [3], and AI-generated impersonations to undermine global public support for the Games. Storm-1679 and APT28 have been particularly active, creating fake videos and press releases online [6], claiming that many people have returned their tickets due to terrorism fears [6]. Concerns also exist about physical attacks on the Paris Olympics [3], given Russia’s history of cyberattacks during the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang [3]. Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) has identified these groups spreading false information about the Olympics [6], France [6], President Macron [6], and the IOC [2]. The groups aim to disparage the IOC and create fear of terrorist attacks at the games [6]. The use of generative AI and online bots is expected to increase [2], with the possibility of real-world provocations to undermine confidence in the IOC and French security forces [2]. Securing the games will require international coordination [3], physical security measures [3], and training staff for potential cyberattack scenarios [3]. Russia has been banned from the 2024 Olympics due to the war in Ukraine [5], leading to a secret influence campaign aimed at discrediting the Games and spreading fears of terrorism [5]. This campaign includes the creation of a fake documentary titled “Olympics Has Fallen” featuring AI-generated audio impersonating Tom Cruise and fabricated threats of violence at the Paris Games. The Russian campaign has also sought to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict by impersonating militants and spreading false information about security threats at the Olympics [5]. This is not the first time Russia has targeted the Olympics [5], with a history of attacks and attempts to undermine international competition [5]. Russia is using AI tools to spread disinformation ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games [4], with a focus on creating the expectation of violence during the event [4]. Russia plans to host the “World Friendship Games” as a response [1], likely carrying out cyberattacks targeting the Paris Olympics to promote its own event and create disruption [1]. Misinformation campaigns aimed at tarnishing the Games’ reputation [1], sabotage [1], and tampering attacks are also possible [1]. Hacktivist activities have increased [1], with disruptive attacks expected during the Paris Olympics by pro-Russian and anti-Israeli actors [1]. State-sponsored actors may use hacktivism to mask their attacks [1].
Conclusion
The disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris poses significant challenges for security and public perception. International coordination [3] [5], physical security measures [3], and cybersecurity training are essential to safeguard the event. The use of generative AI and online bots by threat actors highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats. Mitigating the impact of these campaigns requires vigilance and proactive measures to counter false narratives and potential disruptions. The implications of these attacks extend beyond the Games, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address disinformation and cyber threats in the digital age.
References
[1] https://www.teneo.com/insights/articles/a-new-arena-for-cybersecurity-the-olympic-games/
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmawoollacott/2024/06/03/russian-influence-campaign-targeting-paris-olympics-microsoft-warns/
[3] https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/russia-cyber-operations-summer-olympics
[4] https://futurism.com/russia-ai-disinformation-olympic-games
[5] https://www.nbclosangeles.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/russia-is-trying-to-scare-people-away-from-the-paris-olympics-report-says/3426948/
[6] https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-security-is-warning-of-russian-misinformation-campaigns-during-the-2024-olympics/
