France’s cybercrime unit called in on Israeli athletes data leak
France’s cybercrime unit (OFAC) is pushing to get private data on several Israeli athletes competing in the Paris Olympic Games removed from social media, AFP reports.
Data including blood test results and login credentials were published on Telegram on Friday in an apparent doxing (publication of private details online) cyberattack.
Hackers also leaked personal information revealing Israeli athletes’ military status on social media. The doxing activity was reported to Pharos, which is part of France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (OFAC). That led OFAC to start action to get the relevant platforms to remove the data.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned his French counterpart on Thursday of possible threats by Iranian-backed groups against Israeli athletes and tourists during the Paris Olympics. France has mounted a vast security operation to ensure the Olympics are safe. Around 18,000 French troops have been deployed to secure the Games in addition to regular police.
In a statement Thursday, the Israeli embassy accused Iran of being behind a cyber-campaign to send social media threats to intimidate the Israeli delegation. In an address to the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a global alliance against the Iranian “axis of terror”.