Watch out for DDos attacks, says NETSCOUT
 

Visibility and collaboration will be key in securing the upcoming Summer Games being held in Paris.  While France was ready should the Summer Games be targeted by cybercriminals, at a recent InCyber forum that took place from 26th-28th March in Lille, Vincent Strubel, the Director General of the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) stressed that it is essential to anticipate possible cybersecurity threats, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.  As the preparations for the games get underway, we ask Richard Hummel, Threat Intelligence Lead, NETSCOUT (www.netscout.com) for his thoughts.

“Cyberwar knows no borders, with international events such as the upcoming Paris Summer Games often prime targets for attackers.  Whether they are states, criminals, or hacktivists, the potential targets are numerous.  DDoS attacks are a significant threat, capable of making online services inaccessible, with repercussions that can be catastrophic from a security perspective, as well as reputationally or even financially.”

“Therefore, the key to countering these threats lies in complete network activity visibility and a deep understanding of threats, integrated into a robust cybersecurity strategy.  Indeed, it is essential to be able to quickly spot and identify any unusual activity and determine the level of threat it represents – from human error to malicious acts – in order to avoid major damage.  This necessitates continuous monitoring, strengthened by an analysis of cyberattack trends, leading to a rapid adaptation of defence systems.”

“DDoS attacks and other forms of cyberattacks are not just harmless technical problems; they have real repercussions on security, the economy, and the well-being of citizens.  The experience gained from previous editions of the Games, such as in Tokyo 2020 or London 2012, where the number of cyberattacks reached record levels, must serve as a lesson to strengthen our defences and resilience against these threats.”

“Preparing for the Summer Games in terms of cybersecurity must be considered an absolute priority.  Collaboration between security experts, governmental agencies, private companies, and international organizations is vital to anticipate, detect, and neutralise cyberthreats before they materialise.  But at the heart of this preparation, the ability to quickly spot and understand a real threat before it has the chance to wreak havoc will indeed be crucial for the security and success of the Games.”