The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a global spectacle of athleticism, camaraderie, and national pride. But behind the fanfare and competition lies a complex network of digital infrastructure that’s increasingly exposed to cyber threats. From athlete data to ticketing systems, the Olympic and Paralympic Games present a high-value target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt or exploit this grand event.
Eviden, the official cybersecurity services and operations supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, recognized the criticality of these risks and implemented a multi-layered approach. A key element of this strategy was leveraging Digital Risk Protection Services (DRPS). This proactive approach to cybersecurity utilized cutting-edge tools like AI and machine learning to identify and neutralize threats before they could impact the Paris 2024 Games.
DRPS in action: A glimpse of the threat and the solution
Let us take you behind the scenes and show you how DRPS helped us safeguard the Paris 2024 Games.
- A deep dive into the threat landscape: The Olympic and Paralympic Games face a diverse range of threats, from DDoS attacks aimed at crippling online platforms to misinformation campaigns designed to sow discord and confusion.
- DRPS as the first line of defense: DRPS employs continuous monitoring of the digital landscape, including social media, the dark web, and online forums, to detect early warning signs of potential threats. This allows security teams to take swift action, mitigating risks before they escalate into full-blown crises.
- Real-world use cases: DRPS was instrumental in addressing various threats during the Paris 2024 Games, including:
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- Typosquatting domains: Over 1,500 typosquatting domains, which are often used for phishing scams or malware distribution, were identified and neutralized.
- Social media threats: DRPS helped detect and counter misinformation campaigns, identify potential physical threats, and monitor public sentiment to address emerging issues promptly.
- Brand protection: DRPS played a vital role in protecting the Paris 2024 brand by identifying and taking down fake websites, counterfeit merchandise, and phishing schemes.
- Data leaks: By monitoring the dark web and online forums, DRPS helped prevent and mitigate data leaks that could have exposed sensitive information about athletes, organizers, or attendees.
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- Threat landscape monitoring: DRPS goes beyond reactive measures by actively monitoring threat actor activity, including their discussions, tactics, and potential targets. This proactive approach allows security teams to stay one step ahead and anticipate future attacks.
The Paris 2024 Games and beyond: DRPS for a secure future
The success of DRPS in securing the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics underscores its importance in protecting large-scale events in the Digital Age. But the applications of DRPS extend far beyond the sporting world.
As members of the cybersecurity team that protected the Paris 2024 Games, we witnessed firsthand how DRPS played a crucial role in safeguarding the event. From thwarting typosquatting domains to countering misinformation campaigns, DRPS allowed us to stay one step ahead of threat actors.
But the journey doesn’t end here.
In a continuous endeavor to share key learnings from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, my team and I have published a whitepaper “Digital Risk Protection Surveillance: A Case Study of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” that will shape the future of cybersecurity for large-scale events and beyond. Please take a look and let us know your thoughts!
Remember, cybersercurity can’t wait. Take proactive measures today and ensure your organization is well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely.
Learn more about Eviden’s cybersecurity offering.
Contact our Cyber Threat Intelligence team to discuss your specific cybersecurity needs and explore how our expertise can help you achieve your security goals.
