A deep dive into vulnerability management for large sporting events: The Paris 2024 Games blueprint

Mega sporting events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games are no longer just about athletic prowess; they’re intricate webs of technology, data, and global connectivity. This complexity attracts cyber threats that could disrupt events, compromise sensitive data, or even tarnish the event’s reputation.

This expanded guide dissects the key elements of their strategy, offering a comprehensive approach to securing future events.

Understanding the stakes: Why vulnerability management is crucial

The digital infrastructure underpinning modern sporting events is vast and interconnected. Consider these elements:

• Event operations like ticketing systems, access control, athlete management, and results processing all rely on technology.
• Global broadcasting with live feeds, replays, and online streaming platforms reach billions of viewers worldwide.
• Communication networks like media centers, athlete communications, and internal event coordination depend on robust networks.
• Security systems for surveillance, crowd control, and emergency response systems are increasingly reliant on technology.

Any disruption to these systems can have cascading consequences, from financial losses and reputational damage to safety risks.

Unique challenges in the sporting event landscape

While every event may have its own set of challenges, sporting events in the Digital Age have rather unique ones.

• Ephemeral infrastructure: Many systems are temporary, built specifically for the event, leading to potential oversight in security configurations.
• Third-party dependencies: Event organizers rely heavily on external vendors for technology, infrastructure, and services, increasing the attack surface and complicating security management.
• High volume of users: A sudden influx of athletes, media, staff, and spectators using the network creates stress on systems and potential entry points for attackers.
• Legacy systems: Older technologies may be integrated with newer ones, introducing compatibility issues and known vulnerabilities.
• The excitement factor: The celebratory atmosphere and focus on the event itself can sometimes lead to security practices being overlooked or relaxed.

Building a robust vulnerability management program

A robust vulnerability management program is the corner stone of any cybersecurity strategy. By implementing these key strategies, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, and strengthen their security posture:

1. Proactive vulnerability identification:
   • Continuous security scanning: Automated tools should be deployed to scan systems and applications for vulnerabilities around the clock. This includes network scanners, web application scanners, and database scanners.
   • Penetration testing: Ethical hackers should be engaged to simulate real-world attacks, identifying weaknesses in systems and security controls before malicious actors can exploit them. Different types of penetration testing, such as black box, white box, and red team exercises, should be considered.
   • Vulnerability research: A dedicated team should continuously monitor security advisories, threat intelligence feeds, and vulnerability databases to stay informed about the latest threats and emerging attack vectors.
2. Prioritization and remediation:
   • Risk-based approach: Not all vulnerabilities are created equally. A risk assessment framework, such as the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), should be used to prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity of the vulnerability, the likelihood of exploitation, and the potential impact on the event.
   • Vulnerability management platform: A centralized platform is essential for tracking identified vulnerabilities, assigning remediation tasks, and monitoring progress. This platform should be integrated with scanning tools and provide reporting and analytics capabilities.
   • Automated patching: Automated patching solutions should be implemented to streamline the process of applying security updates and fixing known vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications.
3. Collaboration and communication:
   • Cross-functional security teams: Effective vulnerability management requires collaboration between different departments, including IT, security, operations, and legal. Clear roles and responsibilities should be defined, and regular communication channels established.
   • Third-party risk management: Strong security requirements should be included in contracts with vendors and partners. Regular security assessments and audits of third-party systems and services need to be conducted.
   • Incident response plan: Developing and testing a comprehensive incident response plan can ensure a swift and coordinated response in case of a security breach. This plan should include procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from an attack.
4. Advanced technologies:
   • Machine learning for threat detection: Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of security data to identify anomalies and patterns indicative of malicious activity. This can help detect sophisticated attacks that may bypass traditional security tools.
   • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SIEM solutions aggregate and correlate security logs from various sources, providing real-time visibility into security events and enabling rapid incident response.
   • Threat intelligence platforms: These platforms provide curated threat intelligence feeds, vulnerability databases, and analysis tools to help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and proactively defend against attacks.
5. Continuous, monitoring and improvement:
   • 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC): A dedicated SOC should be established to monitor critical systems and networks around the clock. The SOC team should be trained to identify and respond to security incidents in real-time.
   • Post-event review: After the event, a comprehensive review of security incidents, vulnerabilities, and response efforts should be conducted to identify areas for improvement in future events.
   • Security awareness training: All staff, volunteers, and contractors should receive regular security awareness training to educate them about cybersecurity best practices, social engineering tactics, and how to recognize and report suspicious activity.

Key takeaways from Paris 2024

As the official cybersecurity supporter for the Paris 2024 Games, Eviden is uniquely poised to share the following highlights of the implemented vulnerability management strategy for the event:

• Risk-driven prioritization: Paris 2024 effectively utilized Cisco VM’s Risk Meter to focus on the most critical vulnerabilities, ensuring resources were allocated efficiently.
• Customized dashboards: Tailored dashboards for each remediation team streamlined vulnerability management by providing relevant information and facilitating progress tracking.
• Real-time threat intelligence: Integrating real-time threat intelligence into the vulnerability management process enabled proactive identification and mitigation of emerging threats, such as the regreSSHion vulnerability.

 Delivering a fun and future-ready experience

Securing large sporting events in the Digital Age is a complex undertaking. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to vulnerability management, event organizers can mitigate risks, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the smooth and successful execution of these global spectacles. The Paris 2024 Games cybersecurity delivered by Eviden serves as a valuable case study, demonstrating the importance of continuous vigilance, advanced technologies, and collaborative efforts in safeguarding these iconic events.