Olympic Games 'faced cyber threat'

16 August 2012

The London Olympics were threatened with a major cyber-attack just days before the opening ceremony began, it has been reported.

The attack, which was said to have threatened the Olympic Park's computerised power and communications systems, prompted a series of tests of security measures and manual backup systems, according to a report in The Guardian.

However, Whitehall sources also told the paper that the threat was not considered credible.

A government spokesperson refused to comment on specific threats, but said: "The high profile of the Olympic Games meant that it was a potential target and we put in measures to help protect against such threats and we are committed to ensuring every conceivable preparation is made in order to deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games".

In January, Home secretary Theresa May said the UK "robust plans in place to deal with a cyber-attack against Games systems".

"We know we face a real and enduring threat from terrorism and we know that the Games – as an iconic event – will represent a target for terrorist groups," she said.

"Our Olympic security plans have been developed against an assumption that the terrorist threat level at the time of the games will be severe".