A ransomware attack struck the central data systems of notable museums in France amid the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A ransomware attack has hit the central data systems across approximately 40 museums in France, according to the Associated Press (AP).
The cyberattack, identified on Sunday, struck the systems of notable museums including the Grand Palais and others within the Réunion des Musées Nationaux (RMN) network, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday, per the news agency.
Ransomware is malicious computer software used to render data unusable. In its most common form, it encrypts files on a victim’s computer or computer systems. After a cybercriminal has infected someone’s computer files, they will contact the victim and demand a ransom payment. In return for payment, the perpetrator promises to provide the victim a digital « key », allowing them to decrypt their files, rendering them usable again. In some cases, the perpetrator may also make their own copy of the affected files and threaten to sell them or release them publicly unless their ransom demand is met.
Although details of the ransomware attack and who organized it remain unclear, the Paris prosecutor’s office has tasked the Brigade for Combating Cybercrime with investigating the incident to identify the scope and perpetrators of the attack, the AP reported.
