Hackers tend to exploit whenever there is a major global event and try to capitalize from it. For the same apparent reasons, malicious hackers are keeping an eye on the Tokyo Olympics. Cybersecurity researchers and security agencies have already issued warnings about the possibility of of cyberattacks.
An Olympics-themed malware variant with wiper functionality was discovered by a Japanese security firm. This malware has the ability to delete files from compromised computers and is specifically designed to attack Ichitaro Japanese word processors.
In another case, a Japanese government official revealed that the Olympic ticket portal’s user IDs and passwords were leaked online. The leak, however, did not come from Tokyo 2020’s system.
The Japanese Olympic Committee revealed last month that it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. The committee, on the other hand, refused to pay the ransom and removed all compromised computers.
The FBI has issued a warning regarding possible online malicious activities that might disrupt a variety of events involving media transmission system, hospitality, ticketing, transit, or physical security. Furthermore, FBI cautioned of prospective cyberattacks such as hijacking of video feed, ransomware, and DDoS attacks.
The broadcast-only Games this year, involving ISPs and TV networks, are thought to be in the crosshairs of attackers, posing a disturbance to global spectators.
The Tokyo Olympics is expected to be a hotspot of cyberattacks, with more expected to come as the event unfolds. Tokyo looks to be finding it challenging to stay safe from these looming strikes.