The Biden administration is providing support to French authorities to protect the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris from potential cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, primarily linked to Russia. The U.S. is sharing intelligence and providing direct cyber support to ensure the security of the event.
Scott McConnell, spokesperson for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), announced that CISA is collaborating with government, private sector, and international partners to bolster cybersecurity ahead of the Olympics, which begin on July 26. CISA personnel will be part of the U.S. Government’s Joint Operations Center in Paris, providing expertise and support.
Additionally, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service will chair the operations center, coordinating efforts with numerous U.S. interagency partners. White House Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger emphasized the active collaboration between U.S. and French intelligence and cyber defense agencies.
Other nations, including Estonia, are also contributing to cybersecurity efforts. Estonia’s ambassador for cyber diplomacy, Tanel Sepp, highlighted joint exercises with France as part of their cooperation.
French cybersecurity agency ANSSI has been preparing for two years to address cyber threats against the Olympics. This preparation includes identifying and securing around 500 companies and organizations involved in hosting the games.
Concerns are high regarding potential Russian interference. Recent reports from Microsoft and Google Cloud’s Mandiant have highlighted the likelihood of Russian-linked disinformation campaigns and cyber espionage targeting the event. In past Olympics, Russian hackers have posed significant threats, including disrupting the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
As the games approach, the French government remains vigilant against these threats, with a focus on protecting the event’s integrity and ensuring the safety of participants and spectators.
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