France accuses Russian hackers of targeting the Paris Olympics

In France, the government has accused a hacking group with ties to Russian military intelligence, known as APT28 or Fancy Bear, of conducting cyberattacks against various entities from 2021 through 2024. These attacks have notably targeted the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as French government agencies and companies. A report by France’s cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, outlines these incidents and associates the activities with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting France's strong support for Ukraine and its desire to prevent Russian aggression in Europe. The French Foreign Ministry has identified the Russian military intelligence agency GRU as responsible for these cyber incidents, specifying a unit within the GRU, Unit 20728, as a key player in the attacks. The investigation has not only revealed attempts to collect intelligence but also indicated that the cyber intrusions have extended beyond France, affecting entities in Ukraine, North America, and across Europe. Despite the seriousness of these accusations, the specific organizations targeted were not disclosed, though they included sectors pivotal to national security and the economy, such as aerospace and finance. The Kremlin and the Russian Embassy in France have denied any involvement in hacking activities related to the Paris Games. Many reports in 2023 and 2024 suggested an increase in Russian efforts to destabilize France through disinformation strategies, especially in light of Russia's prior violations involving doping scandals and the war in Ukraine. The involvement of Russian athletes in international competitions has been heavily restricted for these reasons, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation surrounding the Olympics. As the Paris Olympics approach, France's response comes amid heightened security concerns, exemplifying the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its institutions against foreign threats. In a statement, Google Threat Intelligence Group’s chief analyst emphasized the anticipated threat posed by the GRU, given the Olympics' symbolic importance as a venue for international co-operation. France’s Foreign Ministry’s commitment to countering Russia's cyber aggression showcases the broader geopolitical struggle influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the international community's response to such acts of cyber manipulation.