Category: Paris Olympics

France Cybersecurity Agency, ANSSI, has issued a stark warning regarding the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, cautioning that the event’s IT infrastructure will face relentless cyber attacks, potentially including sophisticated ransomware variants.

ANSSI disclosed that French government security teams have been diligently preparing for two years to counter such threats. Despite these efforts, there remains uncertainty about their ability to fend off highly advanced ransomware attacks.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to commence on July 26th and conclude in mid-August, during which organizers, athletes, spectators, and media are expected to encounter unprecedented cyber threats of significant severity.

Amidst suspicions, Russia is reportedly a primary source of these anticipated cyber assaults. This suspicion stems partly from its restricted participation in the 2024 Olympics due to geopolitical tensions, notably its ongoing conflict with Ukraine over the past two years.

To bolster their defenses, ANSSI is leveraging AI technology through its cyber defense division, COMCYBER, linked to the Ministry of Defense. This unit not only aims to thwart incoming attacks but also proactively safeguards the event’s infrastructure against diverse cyber threats until its conclusion.

In other news, Brazil has imposed restrictions on Meta’s use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), citing concerns over user privacy and data usage in the company’s evolving privacy policies. The Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) issued a directive prohibiting Meta from utilizing Gen AI technology with immediate effect.

This regulatory action follows heightened scrutiny after Reuters initially reported on the ban, emphasizing ANPD’s stance on protecting fundamental user rights. Effective July 19, 2024, Brazil has warned of daily fines amounting to approximately $9,000 if Meta fails to comply with the ban.

Meta responded promptly, asserting its commitment to adhere to Brazilian laws while expressing concerns that such restrictions could stifle innovation and hinder AI development, potentially impacting the country’s future technological landscape.

The post France Ransomware warning to Paris Olympics 2024 and Brazil ban on Meta AI data usage appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

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.

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