Italy thwarts Russian cyberattacks on Olympics, embassies

Italian national security agencies foiled a series of Russian cyberattacks aimed at Foreign Ministry offices, according to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Italian national security agencies foiled a series of Russian cyberattacks aimed at Foreign Ministry offices, including the one in Washington, and Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina, DW News reports.

The announcement, from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, comes as Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo host the Winter Olympics, an event historically targeted by Russian actors following bans from competition.

Italian authorities have deployed a massive security apparatus involving approximately 6,000 police and 2,000 military personnel, supported by aircraft, drones, and specialized units like bomb squads and snipers.

A 24-hour International Olympic Operations Room in Rome will coordinate national and international efforts, including personnel from Interpol and Europol.

The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in an advisory role has sparked domestic controversy, though Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi assured they will not conduct police operations.

The games also face planned protests on issues from environmental impact to geopolitical conflicts, with Milan's city center designated a heavily restricted "red zone" during the opening ceremony attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

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Sharon Florentine Editorial Director

Sharon Florentine is the editorial director for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands and acting editorial director for SC UK. She is responsible for setting strategy and editorial direction and developing content for news, features, analysis and other written content, moderates live webcasts, and oversees research projects. Sharon has previously held key editorial, content and leadership positions at DevOps.com, Security Boulevard, CIO.com, Ziff Davis Enterprise, and CRN, among others.