The upcoming 2024 Olympics in France are attracting significant anticipation and worldwide focus, but this heightened visibility also brings about the heightened risk of cyber attacks. Geraldo Guazzelli, director-general of NETSCOUT Brazil, a prominent cybersecurity solutions provider, highlights the potential dangers that such events could encounter.
Why do hackers find the Olympic Games appealing?
The high profile of a major event can attract attacks not just because of the number of viewers, but also due to the financial benefits it brings, as stated by Guazzelli.
Data protection is essential for the successful execution of events like the Olympic Games, as a cyber intrusion can lead to minor disruptions or severe issues like the compromise of sensitive data.
It can happen due to a lack of access or the theft of sensitive information, resulting in the encryption of servers or essential applications needed for the secure operation of the games.
How can these attacks be avoided?
To prevent such attacks, it is crucial for all participating companies and institutions to implement stringent safety measures. Guazzelli proposes some actions to take.
- Staff training is essential for individuals to be well-prepared in recognizing and dealing with cyber threats.
- Clear procedures are necessary to address any attempt at invasion.
- Utilize advanced technology solutions to detect and prevent threats before they lead to harm.
Understanding the worldwide internet landscape and having a comprehensive understanding of corporate traffic enables us to develop software that can detect threats, establish protective measures, and take preventive action to thwart malicious activities before they occur.
Lessons learned from history
Previous incidents in past events posed notable cyber threats. The 2012 London Olympics saw DDoS attacks on electrical systems at the opening ceremony, while the 2016 Rio Games experienced a substantial 500 Gbps attack on government websites and sponsors. Most recently, during the Tokyo 2021 Games, NTT disclosed thwarting over 450 million cyber attacks.
