French cyberwarriors gearing up to defend against hackers at the Olympics

TLDR:

French cyberwarriors are preparing to defend against hackers and malware during the Olympics. They are extensively training and studying their opponents, ranging from teenage hackers to Russian military cyber attackers. Cybersecurity engineers are hoping to stay out of the spotlight and ensure the digital defenses hold up throughout the Games.

Article Summary:

French cybersecurity experts are gearing up to protect the Paris Games from cyber threats, working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and secure event. They have engaged in training and friendly hacking to test their defenses against potential attacks from various adversaries, including cybercriminals and state-sponsored hackers.

The cybersecurity team, led by Jérémy Couture, aims to keep technology and cybersecurity out of the spotlight during the Olympics, indicating that successful security measures would mean a non-issue event. With the sensitive nature of their work, the location of the cybersecurity hub remains undisclosed to maintain security.

The threats facing the Games are diverse, ranging from hackers seeking financial gain to hacktivists aiming to make political statements. With Russia being a prominent suspect due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and critical stance towards France, the cybersecurity agency is on high alert for potential cyber incidents.

Despite the unprecedented level of cyber threats, Vincent Strubel of France’s national cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, expressed confidence in their preparedness and ability to stay ahead of the attackers. Taking lessons from past cyber incidents like the disrupted Winter Games in Pyeongchang, the cybersecurity team continues to enhance their defenses to safeguard the Paris Olympics.

Overall, while cybersecurity firm Outpost24 acknowledges gaps in online infrastructure, they have commended Paris’ cybersecurity preparations, giving them a rating close to a silver medal. The cybersecurity teams are focused on addressing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring a secure and successful Olympic event.