In preparation for the upcoming Winter Olympics, the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) is intensifying its efforts to safeguard the event from potential cyber threats. With the Games scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in various Alpine regions, ACN has dedicated a team of specialists to monitor criminal activities across the dark web, marking the agency’s first significant challenge since its establishment in 2021.
“The Olympics are a global event. We expect around three billion viewers and another one and a half million spectators with tickets,” said Gianluca Galasso, ACN’s director of cyber operations and crisis management, during a recent tour of the agency’s facilities in Rome. The heightened visibility associated with the Olympics is likely to attract a range of cybercriminals, from opportunistic hackers to sophisticated, state-sponsored groups.
Italy’s commitment to cybersecurity was underscored during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, which faced over 140 cyber incidents, including 22 breaches that compromised information systems. Although these attacks did not disrupt any competitions, they highlighted the complexities of securing large-scale international events. The ACN is preparing for a similar landscape, with Galasso indicating that disruptions targeting high-profile services—such as streaming feeds, website access, or ticket purchases—could be on the agenda for attackers eager for media attention.
As the Olympics approach, ACN’s strategy centers on early detection of threats. Analysts monitor various platforms—including open web, criminal forums, and social media—to identify emerging patterns and potential risks. “Our work happens before someone tries to enter a system,” Galasso stated. “We look at everything that moves in the criminal ecosystem to anticipate the threat.”
Approximately 20 of ACN’s 100 operational specialists will be dedicated exclusively to Olympic-related intelligence, maintaining real-time communication with teams at the event venues. Starting February 4, an additional 10 senior experts will join nearly 100 Deloitte specialists and about 300 staff from the local organizing committee to oversee the digital infrastructure across all venues from the Technology Operations Centre (TOC) in Milan.
Galasso expressed concern regarding the potential role of artificial intelligence in future cyberattacks. “Cyber phenomena keep growing for obvious reasons. Now there’s artificial intelligence, and we expect attackers to use AI agents to support cyber operations,” he explained. While the agency is prepared for a heightened threat level, he noted that they do not currently see any specific elevated risks.
The complexity of the Milano Cortina Games, which will span multiple locations, adds another layer of logistical challenges for security measures. Galasso emphasized the need for collaboration and constant intelligence sharing among the technical teams as threats evolve. “The goal is always the same: anticipate threats and respond quickly and effectively whenever a specific risk becomes visible,” he concluded.
As the Winter Olympics draw near, Italy’s proactive approach to cybersecurity underscores the growing intersection of technology and sports, reflecting a broader trend toward enhanced security measures at major global events. With millions of eyes expected to be on the Games, the stakes couldn’t be higher for ensuring digital safety and operational integrity.
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