ANSSI and BSI issue a joint release on cybersecurity at major sporting events thanks to cooperation with the private sector
The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and the German Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik – BSI) published their 9th annual joint report, which focuses on the cybersecurity of major sporting events in cooperation with the private sector.
The cybersecurity of major sporting events represents a major challenge for the host country, due to the organizational complexity, the numerous stakeholders involved, and the worldwide exposure. All of which increase the risk of cyber-attacks that could compromise the security of the entire territory, hamper the experience of millions of spectators and damage the reputation of the organizers.
In 2024, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the European Football Championship-UEFA required France and Germany to ensure both the digital and physical security of all stakeholders, in several cities and for several weeks, amidst a tense geopolitical climate. The main objective was to prevent any significant disruption of events or tournaments due to a cyber incident.
For both events, a series of preventive and reactive measures were put in place with all the relevant stakeholders in each host city, in order to guarantee a high level of security for the information systems that were particularly under pressure during the events. This involved forging collaborative relationships between partners, private companies, local communities, federations and associations.
This report highlights the essential role of cooperation with the private sector in guaranteeing the cybersecurity of major sporting events. This cooperation is an opportunity to build and consolidate a solid relationship of trust, and to foster greater communication on a long-term basis, which is essential in the event of a crisis.