Paris Olympics 2024: A Playground for Cybercriminals?

2024-07-18T21: 03: 03.747+02: 00

• Experts warn of increased phishing attacks during Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Less than half of fraud cases are reported to French police, per BioCatch.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, the city is gearing up
for more than just athletic excellence. With over 15 million tourists expected
and an estimated economic boost of $3.75 billion, the event also presents a
golden opportunity for cybercriminals. The sheer scale and high profile of the
Olympics make it a magnet for a wide array of cyber threats, from phishing
scams to sophisticated AI-driven attacks.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the influx of visitors and
the increase in online activities related to the Games will create an
environment ripe for fraud and cybercrime. The French government, the
International Olympic Committee, and cybersecurity firms like BioCatch have all
highlighted the risks. The warnings are clear: cybercriminals are preparing to
exploit the Olympic buzz to launch attacks that could disrupt events, steal
personal information, and siphon off millions in fraudulent transactions.

The report provides several critical insights into the state of digital banking fraud in France. Despite a decline in total fraud losses, digital banking fraud saw a significant increase of 9% last year, accounting for over 70% of all large-value fraud incidents. This rise highlights the growing sophistication of social engineering attacks, such as fake bank advisor scams, which pose the greatest challenge to French banks in 2024. Additionally, the data underscores a significant underreporting issue, with less than half of known fraud cases being reported to the French police. With 94% of the French population utilizing digital banking, the nation faces an increased risk and exposure to these evolving cyber threats.

Why Are Cyber Threats
Surging?

The World Economic Forum reports that cyber threats have
reached an unprecedented level ahead of the Paris Olympics. The massive
ticketing operations and the surge in economic activities make the event a
prime target. Past events, like the Tokyo Olympics, saw an estimated 450
million cyberattacks. For Paris, experts predict an even higher number of
attempts, given the advancements in technology and the increased connectivity
of devices.

Phishing attacks, where scammers send deceptive emails to
trick recipients into revealing personal information, are expected to
skyrocket. These attacks will likely impersonate official Olympic
communications, sponsors, and popular brands associated with the Games. The
goal is to steal sensitive data or install malware on victims’ devices.

Who Are the Major
Threat Actors?

Paris’ chief prosecutor has also sounded the alarm about
organized crime groups, particularly from Europe and South America, converging
on the city. These gangs specialize in street theft, which could lead to a rise
in stolen device fraud. Stolen smartphones and tablets can be exploited for
digital banking fraud, adding another layer of risk for visitors.

How Is AI Impacting
Cybercrime?

The use of AI by cybercriminals is another growing concern.
AI can automate and enhance traditional attack methods, making them more
efficient and harder to detect. Conversely, AI is also being used by
cybersecurity teams to bolster defenses, usually in the form of AI-powered platforms which are able to spot and respond to threats in real-time, aiming to
stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

What Security
Measures Are Being Implemented?

In response to these threats, the Paris 2024 Organizing
Committee has partnered with major technology companies and government agencies
to enhance cybersecurity measures. These efforts include conducting
comprehensive security audits, establishing rapid response teams, and
implementing rigorous training programs for all stakeholders involved in the
Games.

The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI is playing a crucial
role in these preparations. Director General Vincent Strubel assures that
extensive preparatory work has been done to counteract potential attacks. This
includes employing ethical hackers to test the security of various sites and
infrastructure associated with the Olympics.

As the Games approach, it is imperative for everyone
involved to be aware of the potential risks and to take proactive measures to
protect personal information and devices. The digital world offers as many
opportunities for malfeasance as it does for celebration, and the Paris
Olympics will be a testament to the ongoing battle between cybersecurity
professionals and cybercriminals.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, the city is gearing up
for more than just athletic excellence. With over 15 million tourists expected
and an estimated economic boost of $3.75 billion, the event also presents a
golden opportunity for cybercriminals. The sheer scale and high profile of the
Olympics make it a magnet for a wide array of cyber threats, from phishing
scams to sophisticated AI-driven attacks.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the influx of visitors and
the increase in online activities related to the Games will create an
environment ripe for fraud and cybercrime. The French government, the
International Olympic Committee, and cybersecurity firms like BioCatch have all
highlighted the risks. The warnings are clear: cybercriminals are preparing to
exploit the Olympic buzz to launch attacks that could disrupt events, steal
personal information, and siphon off millions in fraudulent transactions.

The report provides several critical insights into the state of digital banking fraud in France. Despite a decline in total fraud losses, digital banking fraud saw a significant increase of 9% last year, accounting for over 70% of all large-value fraud incidents. This rise highlights the growing sophistication of social engineering attacks, such as fake bank advisor scams, which pose the greatest challenge to French banks in 2024. Additionally, the data underscores a significant underreporting issue, with less than half of known fraud cases being reported to the French police. With 94% of the French population utilizing digital banking, the nation faces an increased risk and exposure to these evolving cyber threats.

Why Are Cyber Threats
Surging?

The World Economic Forum reports that cyber threats have
reached an unprecedented level ahead of the Paris Olympics. The massive
ticketing operations and the surge in economic activities make the event a
prime target. Past events, like the Tokyo Olympics, saw an estimated 450
million cyberattacks. For Paris, experts predict an even higher number of
attempts, given the advancements in technology and the increased connectivity
of devices.

Phishing attacks, where scammers send deceptive emails to
trick recipients into revealing personal information, are expected to
skyrocket. These attacks will likely impersonate official Olympic
communications, sponsors, and popular brands associated with the Games. The
goal is to steal sensitive data or install malware on victims’ devices.

Who Are the Major
Threat Actors?

Paris’ chief prosecutor has also sounded the alarm about
organized crime groups, particularly from Europe and South America, converging
on the city. These gangs specialize in street theft, which could lead to a rise
in stolen device fraud. Stolen smartphones and tablets can be exploited for
digital banking fraud, adding another layer of risk for visitors.

How Is AI Impacting
Cybercrime?

The use of AI by cybercriminals is another growing concern.
AI can automate and enhance traditional attack methods, making them more
efficient and harder to detect. Conversely, AI is also being used by
cybersecurity teams to bolster defenses, usually in the form of AI-powered platforms which are able to spot and respond to threats in real-time, aiming to
stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

What Security
Measures Are Being Implemented?

In response to these threats, the Paris 2024 Organizing
Committee has partnered with major technology companies and government agencies
to enhance cybersecurity measures. These efforts include conducting
comprehensive security audits, establishing rapid response teams, and
implementing rigorous training programs for all stakeholders involved in the
Games.

The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI is playing a crucial
role in these preparations. Director General Vincent Strubel assures that
extensive preparatory work has been done to counteract potential attacks. This
includes employing ethical hackers to test the security of various sites and
infrastructure associated with the Olympics.

As the Games approach, it is imperative for everyone
involved to be aware of the potential risks and to take proactive measures to
protect personal information and devices. The digital world offers as many
opportunities for malfeasance as it does for celebration, and the Paris
Olympics will be a testament to the ongoing battle between cybersecurity
professionals and cybercriminals.