French Companies Face Olympic-Sized Cyber Threats

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, multiple cybersecurity companies have issued warnings about an alarming increase in phishing and scam activities targeting consumers eager to purchase tickets for the event. However, the threat extends beyond just Olympic ticket buyers. Abnormal Security researchers have identified a worrying trend in online chat rooms, with an uptick in organizational data being offered for sale and trade.

A practical example of this growing threat emerged at the beginning of this month. A user on a popular cybercrime forum contacted an undercover security researcher, offering access to VIP transport companies in the Paris area.

The seller highlighted the expected surge in bookings as the Olympics draw closer and disclosed that they had access to the company's Stripe, email, and invoice software.

With this type of access, cybercriminals could send fraudulent emails pretending to be from Stripe, making customers susceptible to phishing attacks. Additionally, they could target employees within the business, exposing the company to vendor email compromise risks such as invoice fraud, compromised financial information, and operational disruptions.

This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, a thread on a cybercrime forum offered over 3 million leads targeting consumers in France for sale. These leads could be exploited to launch widespread phishing campaigns.

Further escalating the threat, just last week, a security researcher on X discovered a custom Louvre Museum phishing page designed to look identical to the real website. This page potentially targets visitors to Paris for the Olympics—aiming to steal personal and financial information.

French businesses, particularly those in the hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors, are at high risk of being targeted. As the Olympics approach, these businesses are likely to experience an influx of customers and transactions—making them prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit the situation.

To better secure organizations from those threats sent via email, Abnormal Security provides comprehensive security against phishing attacks, invoice fraud, and business email compromise. By leveraging advanced machine learning and behavioral analysis, the Abnormal platform identifies and blocks suspicious activities before they can cause harm—keeping employees, customers, and the public safe.

Schedule a demo to learn how Abnormal can help protect your company and customers from cyber threats during the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond.