Rise in Cyberattacks in France Linked to Paris Olympics
In 2024, France saw a 15% increase in cyberattacks, reaching 4,386 incidents, mainly tied to the Paris Olympics. Pro-Russian and pro-Palestinian hacktivist groups were notably active. Although threats were prevalent, French authorities effectively prevented any disruptions during the games. Issues with IT security vulnerabilities and rampant ransomware attacks continue to concern cybersecurity officials.
France has witnessed a notable increase in cyberattacks during 2024, especially in connection with the Paris Olympic Games. The National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (Anssi) reported 4,386 “security events” this year, marking a 15 percent rise from 2023, as detailed in their latest report, “Panorama de la cybermenace.” These incidents include destabilization attacks, primarily executed by pro-Russian and pro-Palestinian hacktivist groups.
Anssi’s director, Vincent Strubel, highlighted threats against infrastructure, including attempts by a pro-Russian group to target sewage treatment facilities to pollute the Seine River during the Olympics. While some attackers are considered to have a low level of technical skill, they are adept at publicizing their actions. Notable groups identified in the report are the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR) and Lulzsec Muslims, who have successfully accessed exposed management interfaces online.
Despite the surge in cyberattacks, Strubel confirmed that the measures enacted by French authorities were effective, stating that no significant disruptions occurred during the Olympics. The reported security incidents included 3,004 cases of unusual computer system behavior, with 1,361 confirmed cyberattacks.
While July saw a peak in incidents related to the Olympics, many other attacks intended to disrupt various infrastructures. Anssi observed a worrying trend in the targeting of IT security tools, such as firewalls and VPNs, which are becoming gateways for attackers when vulnerabilities exist. Ransomware attacks also persist, affecting small and medium enterprises and educational institutions significantly.
French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the urgency of cybersecurity, pledging considerable investment to prepare for emerging threats. This ongoing commitment aims to enhance France’s resilience against the increasing cyber threat landscape while safeguarding critical infrastructure and services.
In summary, France has experienced a marked increase in cyberattacks in 2024, correlated with the Paris Olympics. Anssi reported heightened activities by various hacktivist groups, but effective countermeasures prevented significant disruptions during the Olympic Games. Ongoing vulnerabilities in IT security tools and the proliferation of ransomware attacks highlight the need for robust cybersecurity strategies. President Macron’s commitment to strengthening France’s cyber defenses reflects an awareness of the critical challenges posed by evolving cyber threats.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
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