A team of cyber security experts has been put together and have been preparing the cyber defences for the London 2012 Olympics. Based on the number of cyber-attacks that the Beijing Olympics suffered, a huge amount of preparation has been put in place to ensure that the London Olympics isn’t successfully attacked and seriously harmed by a cyber-attack.
Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office has confirmed that they expect a huge amount of cyber-attacks but that everything is being put in place to ensure that the London Olympics remains safe.
Maude stated, “The Beijing Olympics saw 12 million cyber security incidents during their Olympics. We have rightly been preparing for some time; a dedicated unit will help guard the London Olympics against cyber-attack. We are determined to have a safe and secure Games.”
During a speech in Estonia, Maude has expressed how important it is to have a substantial cyber security system in place and the importance of being flexible and to keep adapting to the ever changing cyber-attack threats.
Maude stated, “UK Government networks continue to be regularly targeted by foreign intelligence agencies, or groups working on their behalf and we know that the threat is accelerating. High- end cyber security solutions that were used 18 months ago by a limited number of organisations to protect their networks may already be out in the open marketplace, giving cyber criminals the knowledge to get round these protective measures. Our responses have to be fast and flexible. What works one day is unlikely to work a matter of months or even weeks later.”
With the publicity and hype that is around any Olympic Games, there is no doubt that the cyber security team for the London Olympics will have their hands full. The Olympics present the perfect opportunity for a cyber-hacker to try and make his or her name in the cyber attacker community. It is good to see that the threat is being taken very seriously and that they are acting proactively and not reactively.
