Russian hackers are on the lookout to disrupt the upcoming Paris Olympics, cybersecurity experts reveal, with potential targets ranging from spectators to government officials.
A recent report from Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm under Google, suggests that organizers and attendees need to stay vigilant due to the significant cyber threat posed by criminals with financial and geopolitical motives.
Titled “Phishing for Gold,” the report highlights an increased risk of cyber threats at the Paris Olympics. Authors Michelle Cantos and Jamie Collier express strong confidence that state-sponsored Russian actors pose the greatest danger to the Games, with hackers from China, Iran, and North Korea also posing a moderate threat.
Collier explains that the Olympics, being a high-profile global event, are an ideal target for disruptive cyber operations aiming to cause psychological harm and reputational damage due to the amplified impact of any disruption.
The report outlines various cyber risks faced by the Games, including cyber espionage, disruptive and destructive attacks, and financially motivated hacks.
Collier believes that Russian hackers may use the event for intelligence gathering on foreign decision-makers. However, tourists should also beware as large events like this present opportunities for cybercriminals to engage in scams and steal personal information.
Collier’s worst-case scenario involves a large-scale destructive attack like deploying “wiper malware” that erases data on networks, potentially throwing the Paris Games into chaos.
Factors like Russia’s ban from the Olympics in response to the Ukraine invasion, alongside its history of cyber attacks on previous Games, make these Olympics particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, according to Collier.
During the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Games, Russian hackers leaked athlete data, disrupted networks, and conducted surveillance on Olympic officials, as per Mandiant.
Given France’s strong support for Ukraine, these Games are seen as a prime target for geopolitically motivated attacks, making France a likely cyberattack target, says Collier.
Despite the risks, Collier notes that the response to their report has been positive, with many involved in the Olympics taking steps to address the identified threats, indicating a growing awareness about the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.