AI to Play Critical Role in Cybersecurity for Paris Olympics
Next month, athletes from around the world will gather in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. As competitors prepare for their big moment, the event organizers are focusing on defending against cybersecurity threats. Over the past decade, cyberattacks have become easier to launch due to automation. However, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) provides a powerful tool to counter these threats.
Cybersecurity Challenges for the Olympics
The Olympic rings have been set up at Trocadero Plaza, which overlooks the Eiffel Tower, marking the preparation for the grand event. Leading AI-driven companies like Visual Edge IT specialize in risk reduction and can offer valuable insights, although they do not work directly with the Olympics.
Cybersecurity expert Peter Avery, Vice President of Security and Compliance at Visual Edge IT, shared his expertise on safeguarding such a significant event:
"At the core of what I do is help customers reduce risk regarding their technical, physical, and administrative controls around their business," Avery told Fox News Digital. "The Olympics faces huge challenges. It's critical for businesses and individuals to protect themselves against cyber threats targeting all aspects of our lives."
The Role of AI in Countering Cyber Threats
AI presents an opportunity to defend against cyberattacks at the Paris Olympics. While AI brings many advantages, it also has drawbacks:
"With the emergence of AI, just as it increases productivity in business, it accelerates cybercrime," Avery added. "Cybercriminals can now automate attacks in unprecedented ways. Ten years ago, cyberattacks required sophisticated skills. Today, attackers operate almost like franchises, with starter kits and training."
Having a Robust Cybersecurity Plan
Avery emphasized the importance of a sturdy incident response plan for the Olympics:
"The internet in Paris will be heavily taxed due to the influx of visitors. Therefore, systems need to be robust and redundant. Think of security as layers of defense rather than a single line," noted Avery.
"When discussing cybercrime with organizations, it's always about 'when' and not 'if.' The first step is having an incident response plan and conducting table-top exercises. Organizers must practice scenarios, like a power outage, to identify potential issues and solutions."
Identifying and Countering Disinformation
Some cyberattacks are driven by disinformation. Blackbird.AI has developed an AI-based platform called Constellation to tackle this issue. The platform identifies, analyzes, and evaluates the risk of online narratives originating from disinformation:
"We have a platform called Constellation, our intelligence platform, where we can discover, analyze, and investigate online conversations on any platform and [help determine] the risk that it poses," said Sarah Boutboul, an intelligence analyst at Blackbird.AI.
Embracing AI Responsibly in Sports
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach highlighted the need to responsibly embrace AI in sports. In April, the IOC introduced its AI plan for identifying talent, personalizing training, and improving judging fairness:
"Today, we are making another step to ensure the uniqueness of the Olympic Games and the relevance of sport," Bach stated. "We are determined to exploit the vast potential of AI in a responsible way."
The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11. As preparations continue, AI's role in cybersecurity will be crucial in ensuring a safe and successful event.
