The 2024 Paris Olympics: Navigating the Escalated Cyber Threat Landscape

As the Paris Olympic Games approach, ensuring the safety and success of the event is paramount. Transportation systems and fleets are critical components in this effort, facilitating the smooth movement of athletes, visitors, and goods. However, as with any high-profile event, the Olympics are a prime target for cyber threats. 

Malicious activities against IT assets are the foundation for future attacks against connected vehicles and the smart mobility ecosystem. Our cyber threat intelligence team has been diligently monitoring abnormal deep and dark web activities, particularly those related to automotive and smart mobility, to preemptively address potential risks. 

One of the most prominent threats comes from a notorious group with a history of significant cyber activities. This group has been implicated in several high-profile cyberattacks, including an attack on Ukraine’s nuclear agency. With a popular Telegram channel boasting over 50,000 subscribers, this group operates in collaboration with other Russian hacking groups.

Direct cyber threats against French websites and Olympics-related events

On June 23, 2024, the hackers group posted two messages that have raised concerns about the security of the upcoming Paris Olympics. These messages suggest that the group is planning future attacks in conjunction with the games.

Potential DDoS attack on French websites

The first message indicated a potential Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack targeting French websites. Such attacks can cripple online services, disrupting communication and operational efficiency, which could significantly impact the Olympics.

Targeting the French film festival (summer 2024)

The second message implied that the group is looking to target high-profile French events leading up to the Olympics. The message stated, “Today, in anticipation of the French Olympics, we took a peek at the French Film Festival.” This suggests a broader strategy to disrupt multiple facets of French infrastructure and events, potentially as a precursor to more extensive attacks during the Olympics.

Collaborative efforts in cyber resilience

The hackers group’s collaboration with other groups highlights the coordinated nature of these cyber threats. Such alliances amplify the scale and impact of their operations, making it imperative for cybersecurity teams to stay vigilant and proactive. These groups have a history of pooling resources and expertise, which increases the complexity and potential severity of their attacks.

In light of these threats, and amid the direct possible impact on critical infrastructure, our team is taking comprehensive measures to safeguard connected vehicles, mobility applications and IoT devices for our customers worldwide:

• Enhanced monitoring: Continuously tracking real-time cyber alerts generated by our platform, as well as deep and dark web activities to identify and mitigate potential threats before they materialize.
• Ensure timely reporting and compliance: Working closely with our customers and partners to share intelligence and coordinate mitigation strategies, and ensure they meet regulatory requirements.
• Public awareness: Raising awareness among stakeholders across the automotive and smart mobility ecosystem about the potential risks and encouraging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

The safety of the Paris Olympics relies not only on physical security measures but also on robust cybersecurity defenses. By staying ahead of emerging threats and fostering collaborative defense efforts, our ecosystem can help ensure that the Olympic Games remain a celebration of athletic excellence and international unity, free from the shadow of cyber threats.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor and address the evolving cyber threat landscape leading up to the Paris Olympics.