Ahead of Paris Olympics, Canadian intelligence agency warns attendees to be on guard for cyberattacks

As athletes and officials prepare for this summer's Paris Olympics, Canada's electronic intelligence agency is warning them to also get ready for likely cyberattacks.

The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) — in charge of gathering signals intelligence and protecting the federal government's cyber networks — issued a threat bulletin Friday morning aimed at tourists, government officials and athletes attending the events, as well as Canadian organizations involved in organizing, managing, sponsoring and broadcasting major sporting events.

«The high profile and costly nature of major international sporting events make them a prime target for cybercriminals looking to exploit targets of opportunity for profit. They also provide a global stage for hacktivists and state-sponsored actors to gather information and publicly embarrass a target,» the report says.

Sami Khoury, head of CSE's Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, said the Olympics, this summer's Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and the World Junior Championships in Ottawa this winter are all ripe for «cyber malfeasance.»

The CSE bulletin said cybercriminals «will very likely target» for extortion large organizations — such as government organizations and corporations involved in sponsoring the events — and local businesses, especially those in the travel and hospitality sectors.

Attendees and spectators should also be aware they could be targeted through phishing emails and malicious websites, the agency said.

«Topical event-related lures may include promises of discounted merchandise, free event tickets or access to a livestream of the events,» the report says.

State-sponsored actors after VIPs: report

CSE said state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely will