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Report: Olympics Cyberattack Had Russian ‘Characteristics’ in Malware

“Olympic Destroyer” malware has similarities to previous Russian campaigns.

Researchers have identified the malware used when hackers targeted the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Pyeongchang last week. Cisco’s Talos has found that the malware, dubbed the Olympic Destroyer, focuses on “causing destruction rather than stealing information” and contains characteristics that point to Russian forces being behind the offensive against the Olympic organizers. The hack during the Opening Ceremonies caused “faulty stadium WiFi and television and internet service at the main press center going down.” The International Olympic Committee banned the Russian team from the Pyeongchang Games for its government-sponsored doping program during the Sochi Olympics in 2014.