What Cyber Threats Loom Over the 2024 Paris Olympics?

As the world eagerly awaits the Paris Olympics, authorities are gearing up to combat the cyber threats that come with such a high-profile event. The Olympics, attracting the best athletes globally, also becomes a prime target for state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, and hacktivist groups aiming to disrupt the event. This article explores potential cyber threats that could impact the Paris Olympics, from state-supported disinformation campaigns to phishing scams and geopolitical influences.

--

As the Paris Olympics approaches, the risk of disinformation and propaganda campaigns rises, particularly from state-supported actors like Russia. Historically, Russia has led various disinformation campaigns targeting events, organizations, and countries to achieve its geopolitical goals. These campaigns aim to undermine the integrity of events and create distrust among citizens, thereby supporting broader political strategies.

How Can Disinformation and Propaganda Affect the 2024 Paris Olympics?

In previous years, disinformation-related activities have frequently pointed to St. Petersburg, home to the Internet Research Agency (IRA). This organization, prominently featured in the Mueller Report on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, has been linked to various misleading information campaigns. The IRA has ties to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of PMC Wagner, who used disinformation as a tool to support Russian interests even after his fallout with the Putin regime and subsequent death in 2023.

Reports from Viginum, a French agency combating foreign digital interference, indicate a coordinated campaign targeting French-speaking audiences with fake content. These operations often impersonate Western public figures and aim to discredit the 2024 Olympics and French policies supporting Ukraine. The content usually originates from Russian-language Telegram channels and has continued since late 2023.

Managing fraudulent activities and criminals impersonating your company can be challenging. In the expansive cyberspace, identifying these threats before they reach your customers and tarnish your reputation is crucial. Consequently, SOCRadar’s Brand Protection Module provides comprehensive solutions, including Fraud Protection, Surface Web Monitoring, and, if you need to eliminate scammers, the Integrated Takedown feature.

SOCRadar Brand Protection Module

What Role Does Terrorism Play in Cyber Threats to the Paris Olympics?

The resurgence of ISIS propaganda, including recent publications featuring imagery related to the Paris Olympics, signals a potential threat. While not confirming imminent attacks, these materials aim to sow fear and distrust. ISIS has a history of sophisticated propaganda operations that have previously facilitated recruitment and spread fear globally.

ISIS’s use of social media platforms like Twitter allowed it to reach a wide audience with tailored content for different geographies and groups. Despite their defeat in 2019, their propaganda efforts continue, now focusing on motivating lone-wolf attacks using methods like kamikaze drones inspired by tactics seen in the Ukrainian conflict.

Authorities must address these threats' physical and psychological aspects through effective public diplomacy to maintain trust in the government’s security measures.

How Are Phishing Attempts and Scams a Risk for the 2024 Paris Olympics?

The Paris Olympics presents lucrative business opportunities, attracting increased communication and marketing efforts. Cybercriminals will exploit this frenzy through phishing attempts and scams, targeting high-profile individuals for espionage and general audiences for financial gain.

Tools like SOCRadar XTI can gather TTPs to detect phishing attempts, while EmailRep can quickly check phishing email addresses. Identifying phishing domains is easier as they often use spoofed or typosquatting to deceive individuals. These domains are typically new and related to necessary subjects, catching people off guard with catchy messages.

SOCRadar provides free tools, such as the IP Reputation tool and Phishing Radar, to help organizations identify phishing attempts and protect their cybersecurity.

Free tools from SOCRadar Labs

How Does Geopolitics Impact the 2024 Paris Olympics?

The tense geopolitical environment significantly impacts the cybersecurity landscape. France’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and support for Ukraine makes it a target for hacktivist groups and state-sponsored threat actors. These actors might employ diverse tactics beyond phishing to disrupt the Games and propagate their political messages.

Data shows France faces more significant cyber threats from China and Russia-affiliated groups. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has intensified these threats, with state-affiliated groups motivated to conduct highly sophisticated attacks.

What Hacktivist Threats Target the Paris Olympics?

Hacktivist groups have increasingly targeted Western countries, primarily motivated by the Hamas-Israel conflict. These groups typically conduct DDoS attacks or leak confidential information. For an event like the Olympics, they might target systems or websites related to the event, and companies associated with it might also be at risk.

The Paris Olympics will be a stage for athletic competition and a battleground for cyber threats driven by ongoing political conflicts. The responsibility of mitigating these threats extends beyond cybersecurity offices and disinformation agencies to individuals who must remain vigilant against these efforts. For comprehensive cybersecurity support, contact SOCRadar for your intelligence needs.

SOCRadar’s Hand Guide For the 2024 Paris Olympics!

The 2024 Paris Olympics is a high-profile event that presents a lucrative target for cybercriminals. This guide highlights expected cyber threats, including phishing attacks, ransomware, DDoS attacks, social engineering, data breaches, and malware. It emphasizes the necessity of multi-layered security defenses and introduces SOCRadar’s advanced cybersecurity solutions. Key features include Threat Intelligence, Attack Surface Management, DoS Resilience, Malware Analysis, and Identity & Access Intelligence. By leveraging SOCRadar’s capabilities, organizations can ensure robust protection against evolving cyber threats during the Olympics.

Download our free Hand Guide to gain exclusive access to protect your digital assets during the Olympics.

SOCRadar’s suite of tools offers comprehensive protection, enabling businesses to identify potential threats, analyze malicious files, and enhance DDoS defenses. With real-time insights from SOCRadar’s Extended Threat Intelligence solution, businesses can effectively counteract cyber threats and mitigate data breaches. This guide is essential for organizations preparing for the cyber challenges posed by the Paris 2024 Olympics, ensuring a secure digital environment.

Download Our FREE Hand Guide: https://socradar.io/resources/dark-web-reports/socradars-hand-guide-for-the-2024-paris-olympics/

Published initially on SOCRadar, June 25, 2024: https://socradar.io/cyber-threats-for-the-upcoming-2024-paris-olympics/

--

--