The 2024 Paris Olympics could be a target for cyberattacks. Purdue University Computer Science Professor Eugene Spafford says there are several things to keep in mind.
He says cybersecurity is such that nothing can be impervious to attacks.
“Cybersecurity is still largely a human endeavor. Humans are the ones who install the systems, operate the systems, do the updates, and more. I don’t want to call most of the technology ‘old-fashioned’, but it is technology that involves people, tools, and information that we’ve relied upon for a long time,” said Spafford.
As for the possible threats, Spafford says there are plenty of them.
“One of the major ones is certainly the Russian Federation. They are not able to have their athletes participate under the country name. They are under sanctions by many countries because of their activities in Ukraine and elsewhere,” said Spafford.
He also says there are Islamic terrorist groups that pose a concern as well as the war in Gaza. It isn’t just online resources that Spafford says could be damaged by a cyberattack, but also the surrounding community.
“The electric power, the water distribution, transportation, food supplies, screening of the attendees, and other additional activities also need to be protected,” said Spafford.
But he says what is encouraging is the commitment to safety from both the Olympic committee and NATO allies that are contributing to the protection of the games.
24 athletes from Indiana are competing in the Paris Olympic games. Those take place from July 24 through August 11. The Opening Ceremonies are July 26.
