Looming Cyber Threats to Watch for Before the Paris 2024 Olympics

When it comes to the Olympic Games, the first thought on people’s minds is not usually about managing their cybersecurity. While the Olympics are home to the best of the best athletes, it is also home to trained cybercriminals who seek to profit off the large scale event for their own gain. With the Paris Olympics this summer congregating in over 16 cities in France, there is an abundance of opportunities for cybercrimes such as phishing scams and fake ticket sales to occur. According to a recent report from Microsoft, high-profile sporting events like the Olympics offer prime opportunities for cyber attacks with increased cyber risk due to the network-connected environments and increased digital transactions.

According to Microsoft’s digital defense report, “the volume of password attacks has risen to an estimated 921 attacks every second – a 74% increase in just one year.” Large congregations of fans and media outlets at big events only exacerbate this number of attacks, and the more devices available, the higher the likelihood a scam will be successful. Both in-person and virtual scams are hyper-present, which emphasizes the importance of educational cybersecurity awareness.

Keeper Security has compiled a list of cyber threats to educate individuals who want to enjoy the competitions without fear of losing money or having their personal information compromised in a breach.

Beware of phishing scams

Look out for ads and pop-ups that call for urgent action on cheap event tickets, free live streams or potential prize winnings by placing bets on games. These ads could claim to be associated with the Olympics, legitimate ticket reselling sites or trusted sponsors and media outlets. Falsified information and websites are created by cybercriminals to bait you into clicking malicious links or typing in your credentials or credit card information which can lead to private information being stolen and money being taken from your account. Additionally, these links could download dangerous malware that gives cybercriminals long-term access to your laptop, phone or other device. 

The growing use of AI in attacks like these allows bad actors to create more sophisticated and personalized content, which has a better chance of convincing you the fake ad is real. Phishing is a common phenomenon at large events. According to The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), phishing and business email compromise result in over 500 million dollars in losses per year. 

Protect all of your accounts

Although it is easier to create a password based on your pet’s name, birthday or hometown, passwords like this are at high risk for password cracking. Cybercriminals find personal information about you through your digital footprint to begin guessing your passwords. In order to prevent personal breaches on your accounts, you must follow the latest password best practices. Creating a 16-character password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, a variety of special characters and a random assortment of numbers helps stop cybercriminals in their tracks. 

A zero-trust and zero-knowledge password management system will safely generate and store your passwords, alleviating the stress of remembering passwords while also keeping them safe. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another strategy to make sure you are the only person accessing your private information by requiring a second form of authentication to prove you are who you say you are. These methods will help improve your cybersecurity to a safe level so you can enjoy the games without worrying about your information falling into the wrong hands.

Think twice before streaming for free

Streaming your favorite event from the Olympics for free almost seems too good to be true, and that’s because it often is. While you may in fact be able to watch the event with zero interruptions and no cost, the sites themselves are filled with links that could infect your device or allow cybercriminals unauthorized access to sensitive files or personal data. 

Watch out for fake ticket sales

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the growing threat of fake ticket sales demands vigilance. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tools to create convincing websites and advertisements that mimic legitimate ticket vendors. These fraudulent sites and the resulting fallout can lead to significant financial loss and disappointment for unsuspecting fans. To avoid falling victim, always purchase tickets through authorized sellers, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Verify the authenticity of the website and look for secure payment methods that offer recourse if the tickets are not sent or available.  

Avoid public WiFi and charging stations

It’s essential to avoid using public WiFi and charging stations to protect yourself from cyber threats. Public WiFi networks are unsecured, making them prime targets for hackers who can intercept your personal information and credentials. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks occur when someone intercepts private information because you are on a public WiFi network. When on private websites or exchanging important information, it is important to be connected to a private WiFi network or VPN. 

Public charging stations can also be compromised with malicious software, a tactic known as “juice jacking,” which can infect your device or steal data while charging. To safeguard your digital security, use a personal hotspot or a VPN for internet access and carry a portable charger to keep your devices powered.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, staying vigilant against cyber threats is more important than ever. From avoiding fake ticket scams to steering clear of unsecured public WiFi and charging stations, taking proactive steps can safeguard your personal information and enhance your overall experience. By staying informed and implementing these simple precautions, you can focus on enjoying the excitement and spirit of the Games without worrying about digital security risks.