Italy has thwarted a series of Russian-originated cyber attacks targeting websites associated with the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, just two days before the opening ceremony of the competition. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, according to AFP.
“We thwarted a cyber attack targeting several websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the one in Washington, as well as some locations related to the Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, including hotels in the Cortina d’Ampezzo region. These are actions of Russian origin”, Tajani declared, quoted by the Italian press.
According to an official statement, starting from January 26, units of the Italian police specialized in cyber security were mobilized to protect the main digital platforms related to the sporting event, which will take place until February 22. Authorities have stepped up network monitoring to prevent cyber attacks and potential threats to public security.
The interventions aim, according to Italian authorities, at two strategic directions: protecting critical IT infrastructure and monitoring online space to maintain public order, but also to prevent possible terrorist initiatives.
The experience of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games demonstrated the extent of cyber risks associated with such events. At that time, the French National Agency for Cyber Security reported 141 cyber security incidents, without these affecting the course of the competitions.