Hackers demand cryptocurrency ransom, threatening to leak sensitive data from Grand Palais and 39 other museums. Olympic preparations remain unaffected.
A recent cyberattack has targeted the Grand Palais Museum, a key venue for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, along with 39 other French museums. The attackers are demanding a ransom in cryptocurrency to prevent the leak of sensitive financial data.
The breach was discovered on August 3, 2024, and it specifically compromised the data processing systems of museum shops. Despite the severity of the attack, the operations of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games remain unaffected. The Grand Palais is set to host fencing and martial arts events during the Olympics.
The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI and the French Anti-Cybercrime Brigade (BL2C) are currently investigating the incident. The hackers have threatened to leak the stolen data within 48 hours unless their demands are met. However, the exact ransom amount and whether the affected institutions will comply with the demands remain unclear.
Fortunately, the cyberattack did not impact the systems directly related to the Olympic Games. ANSSI has confirmed that the Olympic systems were not compromised, allowing the preparations for the games to continue as planned.
This incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially for high-profile events like the Olympics. Institutions should regularly update their security protocols and conduct thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential threats. Additionally, having a response plan in place can help manage and contain the damage in the event of a cyberattack.
