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The Olympics is one of the most significant sporting events globally, attracting millions of spectators, athletes, and media coverage. This immense attention also draws cyber criminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain, data theft, or disruption of services. Cyber security for the Olympics is no simple feat. Protecting the personal information of millions of attendees, athletes, and officials is a monumental task. Ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of this data requires advanced encryption techniques and stringent access controls. The massive volume of sensitive information involved necessitates robust data protection measures to prevent any breaches that could lead to identity theft or other malicious activities.
In this blog post, we delve into the cyber security strategies implemented for Paris 2024 and how everyone can contribute to a safer digital environment.
Historical Cyber Attacks on the Olympics.
One only has to look at past Olympic events to understand the magnitude of the threats faced and the operations required to ensure safety.
During the London 2012 Olympics, cyber security was a significant concern, with the event experiencing around 212 million cyber-attacks. One notable incident was a 40-minute distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that disrupted power systems at the Olympic Park. London 2012 CIO Gerry Pennell told Computer Weekly, “We were attacked every day, Some of the attacks were fairly well orchestrated. Some just before the Games were automated. We prepared for this well in advance so it didn’t cause us any problems.”
The Rio 2016 Olympics were also targeted by cyber espionage campaigns, notably those conducted by the Fancy Bear Group, and targeted by sustained, sophisticated DDoS attacks reaching up to 540Gbps. These attacks aimed to gather information on Olympic organisations and officials, reflecting the geopolitical tensions and the strategic interest in the sensitive data associated with the Games.
The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, faced a significant cyber threat known as “Olympic Destroyer.” This destructive operation targeted multiple systems during the opening ceremony, including Wi-Fi, ticketing, and the official website. The malware used in the attack was designed to sabotage information systems by deleting backup files and event logs, causing widespread disruption. The attack led to the Olympic website being offline for 12 hours and disrupted Wi-Fi service within the Olympic stadium, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the event’s digital infrastructure.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced approximately 450 million cyber-attacks. Despite the high volume of attacks, most were mitigated through proactive cyber security measures. The cyber security team employed robust strategies to protect against these threats, ensuring the event proceeded with minimal disruption.
Cyber Security Measures at Paris 2024.
Given the geopolitical tensions and the history of cyber threats targeting previous Olympics, the Paris 2024 Games are preparing for a wide range of potential cyberattacks. These include ransomware attacks, phishing scams, DDoS attacks, and malware infections. State-sponsored actors are also a concern, with the possibility of cyber espionage and disruptive operations aimed at undermining France’s international reputation.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are implementing a comprehensive and multi-layered cyber security strategy to address the heightened risk of cyber threats. The organising committee has partnered with major technology companies, including Cisco and Eviden, and is working closely with the French national cyber security agency, ANSSI, to bolster their defences. These efforts are designed to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks and ensure the smooth running of the Games.
Specific measures include the establishment of a Security Operations Center (SOC) that will continuously monitor all Olympic digital ecosystems. A Security Operations Center (SOC) is essential because it centralises the detection, analysis, and response to cyber security incidents, allowing for rapid identification and mitigation of threats, which is critical for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the continuity of operations in high-stakes environments like the Olympics.
The Paris 2024 Organising Committee is also improving ticket sales policies to prevent forgery and manage existing tickets more effectively. All tickets will be 100% digital and will only be sent to purchasers a few weeks before the event to mitigate the risk of fraud.
Overall, the extensive preparation and collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including local and international agencies, aim to create a secure environment for the Paris 2024 Olympics. These measures are crucial for protecting not only the event’s digital infrastructure but also the personal safety and data of all participants and spectators.
How You Can Stay Safe?
If you are attending the Paris 2024 Olympics, taking proactive steps to protect yourself from cyber threats is crucial. Here are detailed measures to ensure your digital security during the event:
Use Official Channels.
To avoid scams and fraudulent activities, always purchase tickets and access information through official Paris 2024 channels. Cybercriminals often set up fake websites and sellers, especially during large events like the Olympics, to trick unsuspecting individuals. By using verified sources, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes. Always check for the official URL and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications.
Phishing remains a prevalent threat, with cybercriminals sending emails, messages, or making phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources. These communications often ask for personal or financial information. Always verify the authenticity of such messages through official sources before responding or clicking on any links. For example, if you receive an email about ticket purchases, check the official Paris 2024 website directly instead of clicking on the provided link.
Secure Your Devices.
Ensure your devices have the latest security updates and use antivirus software to protect against malware. Regular software updates patch known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit. Additionally, regularly scanning your devices for malware can prevent infections from compromising your personal information. Avoid downloading apps or software from untrusted sources, as they may contain malicious code designed to steal your data.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords.
Creating strong, unique passwords for your accounts is a fundamental step in protecting your digital identity. A robust password typically includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites, as this increases the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one password is exposed. Consider using a password manager to securely keep track of your passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password and username but also a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a physical token. 2FA makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your password.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings.
When attending the event, be mindful of your digital surroundings. Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and can be exploited by cybercriminals to intercept your data. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. Additionally, be cautious of shoulder surfing, where someone might look over your shoulder to steal sensitive information. Always be aware of your physical surroundings when entering passwords or other sensitive information.
Report Suspicious Activity.
If you notice any suspicious activity or believe you have been targeted by a cyber-attack, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. Early reporting can help mitigate the damage and prevent further attacks. For instance, if you receive a phishing email, forward it to the relevant cyber security team or use the reporting tools provided by your email service provider.
Conclusion.
The Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be a spectacular event, bringing together athletes and spectators from around the globe. However, with this grandeur comes the risk of cyber threats. We hope that the Paris Olympics are able to thwart the cyber attacks they will face. For individuals at the Paris Olympics, by taking proactive steps to secure your digital presence, you can enjoy the Games with peace of mind by following the guidelines in this blog. Enjoy the Games, stay safe, and be a part of this historic event with confidence.