The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, touted to be the most connected Games ever, are not just a global celebration of athleticism and competition but also a potential magnet for cyber threats. As International Data Corporation warns, these Games will see an unprecedented number of threats, a complex threat landscape, and a broad spectrum of threat actors, making robust cybersecurity measures imperative across France and Europe.
IDC estimates that cybersecurity services revenue in France will rise by €86 million in 2024, driven by the heightened risks associated with the Olympic Games. This increase represents a more than two percentage point rise in total cybersecurity services spending in the country. The threat environment surrounding major sporting events like the Olympics is fertile ground for cybercriminals aiming to exploit distractions and vulnerabilities.
Richard Thurston, European Security Services research manager at IDC, underscores the severity of the situation: Cybercriminals are leveraging global sporting events like the Olympic Games to craft new targeted threats to businesses and citizens. This heightened risk extends beyond the Olympic infrastructure itself to include critical national infrastructure, city infrastructure, and various businesses operating in France.
In response to these imminent threats, France has undertaken proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity resilience. The creation of a national service, ANSSI, Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d'Information, underscores the seriousness with which the French government is approaching cybersecurity for the Games. ANSSI operates under the authority of the Prime Minister and is tasked with managing the strategy for preventing cyberattacks during the Olympics.
ANSSI's strategy is multifaceted, focusing on increasing awareness of cyber threats, securing critical information systems, protecting sensitive data, raising cybersecurity awareness across the Games ecosystem, and preparing comprehensive responses to potential cyber incidents. This comprehensive approach includes awareness-raising campaigns and crisis-planning exercises involving numerous stakeholders in the Games' organization.
To bolster cybersecurity defenses, the Local Organizing Committee of Paris 2024 has appointed Eviden to manage cybersecurity services and operations. Eviden, leveraging its parent company Atos' extensive experience with the International Olympic Committee, will operate a dedicated Security Operations Center for the Games, supported by up to 17 additional SOCs worldwide. This global network aims to provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities to mitigate cyber threats swiftly.
In addition to Eviden, several technology giants are collaborating directly with Paris 2024 to fortify cybersecurity measures. Companies like Alibaba, Deloitte, Orange, and Cisco are leveraging their expertise in networking, cybersecurity, and telecommunications to safeguard critical Olympic infrastructure and support services.
While larger enterprises in France have prioritized incident management and response as key cybersecurity strategies, smaller organizations lag behind in preparedness. A significant portion of large enterprises have dedicated resources to threat hunting and intelligence, yet fewer than 20% consider their cybersecurity posture to be mature or advanced. This discrepancy highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity education and support, particularly for smaller businesses vulnerable to cyber threats during the Games.
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the focus on cybersecurity intensifies. The Games represent not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a battleground against cyber threats seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in interconnected systems. With ANSSI leading national efforts and strategic partnerships with cybersecurity firms and technology giants, France is mobilizing comprehensive defenses to ensure the security and integrity of the Olympic Games.
The IDC report, Cybersecurity and the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides critical insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape surrounding major global events and underscores the need for proactive cybersecurity measures to safeguard both public and private interests.
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