A ransomware attack has targeted the central data systems of Paris’ Grand Palais and other museums in the Réunion des Musées Nationaux (RMN) network, the Paris prosecutor’s office said. The breach, detected on Sunday, has affected the data systems of approximately 40 museums across France, some of which are currently hosting competitions for the Summer Olympics.
Despite the security breach, Paris authorities confirmed that there has been no disruption to Olympic events. However, the attack has impacted the Grand Palais and the Château de Versailles, both of which are hosting events for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The attack on the Grand Palais occurred a day after the fencing events were completed at the facility and a day before the taekwondo events were scheduled to start on August 7. The Château de Versailles was targeted during the equestrian competition, with the pentathlon event set to begin shortly.
Olympic events are expected to proceed as planned, as the ransomware attack appears to have only affected the boutiques located within RMN member museums.
No ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for the attack as of the time of publication. According to media reports, the unidentified hacker group behind the incident has demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, threatening to release encrypted data within 48 hours if the ransom is not paid.
It remains unclear whether the victims have entered negotiations with the hackers. There has been no public statement regarding the attack, although the French security agency ANSSI, which oversees the cybersecurity of the Olympic Games, informed local media that it was alerted about the incident.
ANSSI confirmed that the affected system was not involved in the running of the Games and that no data leak has been observed. French police have reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the attack.