Scheduled to take place from July to August this year in Paris, France, the 2024 Summer Olympics are set to be a grand event spread across various stadiums throughout Europe.
However, concerns have been raised by Stephane Sejourne, France’s Foreign Affairs Minister, regarding the potential threat of state-sponsored hackers targeting the event. Sejourne voiced apprehensions about the possibility of digital assaults on the electrical grids, which could disrupt or even halt the Paris Olympic Games.
While many competitions are slated for daytime, certain critical systems such as display boards rely on uninterrupted electricity supply to function effectively.
In an interview with France Inter Radio, Minister Sejourne emphasized the threat posed by adversaries seeking to undermine the integrity of the nation, deeming such actions unacceptable.
Efforts are underway to bolster cybersecurity measures, with experts diligently assessing and fortifying vulnerable aspects of the IT infrastructure. The organizing committee, backed by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, is committed to leaving no room for hackers to exploit.
However, the evolving sophistication of cyber threats is undeniable, underscored by recent incidents such as the LockBit ransomware group’s direct threats to US law enforcement. This group demanded ransom payment under threat of releasing stolen court documents linked to former US President Donald Trump, obtained from Fulton County’s digital repository.
With the stakes high, the priority remains meticulous preparation to thwart potential cyber attacks. Failure to do so not only risks tarnishing the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 but also jeopardizes France’s future eligibility to host such prestigious events, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron.
