Cybersecurity at the 2024 Olympics:
a century under high surveillance 

This symbolic anniversary, intended to celebrate peace and international unity through sports, is now under threat from invisible but omnipresent adversaries.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games mark a century since the city last hosted this event. This symbolic anniversary, intended to celebrate peace and international unity through sports, is now under threat from invisible but omnipresent adversaries.

During the intense 30 days of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, more than 14,900 athletes and 31,500 volunteers will be at the center of global attention, captivating 4 billion viewers. This celebration of athletic excellence is also a critical period for cybersecurity. Remember, during the Tokyo Olympics, over 450 million cyberattacks were recorded. For Paris, the threat is even more pressing, with an 8 to 10 times increase in risk. It’s no longer just about protecting the Olympic infrastructure but also reinforcing hospitals, public services, transportation networks, food systems, and more. With €450 million invested in physical security and 35,000 agents mobilized, will the €17 million allocated to cybersecurity through the ANSSI, French Cybersecurity Agency, be sufficient to counter the growing digital threats? These cyber defense efforts rely on fundamental pillars: anticipating threats, quickly detecting intrusions, and continuously raising awareness among those involved.

Just as athletes prepare with meticulous precision for the Games, anticipating every move, cybersecurity experts must stay ahead of cybercriminals’ tactics. Rapid intrusion detection is as essential as an alert referee on the field. Similarly, continuous training for cybersecurity professionals is crucial, akin to the relentless training of athletes. In the face of an ever-evolving threat, our response must be as agile and innovative as the challenges we face.

Cyberattacks have become a constant at the Olympic Games. Today, the entire organization relies on technology, raising numerous cybersecurity concerns for every device. The scope is vast and diverse: from arbitration systems to camera surveillance networks, digital logistics, charging stations, and public Wi-Fi networks. Our insatiable thirst for technology to improve efficiency and enhance user experience paradoxically makes us more vulnerable to attacks.

Since 2008, when the event generated €3 billion in revenue, economic motivations were already evident. However, these motivations have diversified and amplified over the years, taking on a geopolitical dimension. For Paris 2024, five main threats have been identified: cyber espionage, sabotage, disinformation, hacktivism, and financially motivated activities. While the unpredictable nature of cyberattacks persists, certain key moments present anticipated targets, notably the arrival of the Olympic flame in Paris on July 14 and the live-broadcast opening ceremony—events rich in symbolism and thus attractive to cybercriminals.

The current geopolitical environment, exacerbated by conflicts like the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, increases the risk of cyberattacks. These global tensions could inspire significant attacks aimed at making a statement. Furthermore, France’s support for Ukraine and the participation of Russian athletes under a neutral banner add an extra layer of complexity to the security landscape. Attacks are not just following the trend—they are evolving. They range from phishing, ransomware, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), and other malware to more contemporary approaches, like the use of artificial intelligence, orchestrated by both nation-states and determined hacktivists.

The cyber threat at the 2024 Olympics cannot be countered by a single nation or organization alone. International collaboration is imperative, involving the sharing of intelligence, coordinating responses, and implementing joint defenses. Cybersecurity for Paris 2024 must be viewed as a global priority, where every player, from government to private enterprises, has a crucial role in winning this gold medal. It’s essential to strike a balance between ignorance of threats and excessive paranoia. The key lies in measured vigilance, tailored to real risks.