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France beefs up security as Paris Olympics approach

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Amid concerns over potential Islamic State (IS) threats to European sporting events, including a recent online warning, French authorities have intensified security measures in Paris. This move coincides with worries about the safety of upcoming events such as the Champions League quarter-final match and the impending Olympic Games.

While Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged the elevated threat level, he also emphasized France’s experience in countering extremist activities, citing recent foiled attacks. Despite the heightened security, some fans remain undeterred, expressing a determination not to let fear dictate their lives.

Across Europe, governments are grappling with the growing threat posed by IS-K, particularly in light of the upcoming European Football Championship. Germany, in particular, has ramped up security measures, including border checks, amidst concerns over internal security.

Balancing security concerns with maintaining a sense of normalcy presents a challenge for France, especially with the Olympics fast approaching. While some voices caution against overreacting to IS threats, others stress the importance of not yielding to fear and maintaining public confidence.

France’s extensive experience with Islamist incidents has led to the deployment of significant security forces, including Operation Sentinelle and military personnel. Despite assurances from security officials, concerns persist, compounded by tensions with Russia and its alleged efforts to undermine French credibility through cyber campaigns.

President Macron has warned of Russia’s potential to disrupt the Olympics through various means, including cyber operations aimed at spreading misinformation. The French government has publicly denounced attempts to manipulate public opinion, attributing such actions to Kremlin-backed efforts to sow discord.

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Production of Duvel beer hit by cyber-attack

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A cyber-attack has brought production to a standstill at four breweries under the ownership of Duvel, a prominent Belgian beer company. The attack, suspected to be ransomware, occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing significant disruption to operations. Initially, five production facilities were affected, with only one managing to resume operations thus far.

In response to the attack, Duvel promptly activated its IT systems’ built-in command systems and alarms. These measures allowed the company’s IT department to swiftly detect the intrusion and shut down servers to mitigate further damage. Despite these efforts, production at the four Belgian production sites and one in Kansas City remains halted.

Duvel, known for its iconic brands such as Chouffe, Vedett, and Liefmans, has been a stalwart in the beer industry since its establishment in 1871. In 2022, the company reported revenue of €583 million and produced approximately 230 million liters of beer. However, the extent of the impact on the supply chain and distribution of its products following the cyber-attack remains uncertain.

The company has disclosed to local media that the incident is indeed a ransomware attack, a type of cyber-attack where hackers threaten to block or leak files unless a ransom is paid. As investigations into the attack continue, Duvel faces the challenge of restoring production at its affected facilities while ensuring the security and integrity of its IT systems against future threats.

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Germany fires cybersecurity chief ‘over Russia ties’

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After claims that he had established an association with Russia in an uncomfortably close manner, Germany’s head of cybersecurity was fired 
Since 2016, Arne Schönbohm served as the head of the Federal Cyber Security Authority (BSI), which is responsible for securing government communications.

He has been charged with having connections to individuals connected to Russian intelligence services by German media. He is the subject of an investigation by the interior ministry. It did, however, confirm that he had been let go with immediate effect.

Mr. Schönbohm was under investigation after Jan Böhmermann, the host of one of Germany’s most well-liked late-night TV shows, brought up his possible connections to a Russian corporation through a prior position.

Prior to taking over the BSI, Mr. Schönbohm assisted in founding and managing the Cyber Security Council Germany, a private organisation that provides business and policymakers with cybersecurity advice.

The association’s 10th anniversary celebrations were held in September, and he is claimed to have continued to keep close ties with them. Protelion, a cybersecurity firm that was a branch of a Russian company allegedly founded by a former KGB agent honoured by President Vladimir Putin, was one of the association’s members.

The allegations of connections to Russian intelligence are unfounded, according to Cyber Security Council Germany, which expelled Protelion from the group last weekend.

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