Priya PatelTLDR:
France launches a large-scale operation to combat cyber spying ahead of the Olympics, targeting malware infections believed to be used for espionage purposes. The operation has already disinfected hundreds of victim machines not only in France but also in other countries affected by the malware. The country is bracing for cybersecurity threats as the Olympics kick off, with concerns about cyberattacks, influence operations, and sabotage activities.
French authorities have launched a significant operation to remove malware from the country’s computer systems, suspected to be used for cyber espionage, just before the start of the Olympics. The operation, referred to as a “disinfection operation,” targets a network of bots infecting millions of devices worldwide, including at least 3,000 devices in France with PlugX malware, commonly associated with Chinese state-sponsored hacker groups. Earlier this year, cybersecurity firm Sekoia developed a solution to remotely disinfect victim machines, which France and other affected countries are now using to clean their networks.
With concerns mounting over potential cyber threats during the Olympics, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the inevitability of cyberattacks but assured that France is taking steps to mitigate their impact. Russia has been identified as a primary actor in influence operations in France, with warnings of potential terrorist acts and sabotage activities. Recently, France’s high-speed railway was hit by coordinated “malicious acts,” causing disruptions just hours before the opening ceremony of the games. The national rail company, SNCF, canceled trains and advised travelers to avoid train stations, affecting nearly 800,000 people.
As the global community focuses on the Olympics, France’s proactive approach to cybersecurity highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating sophisticated cyber threats that could compromise national security and disrupt critical infrastructure.
