Just days before the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, Italian authorities revealed they had successfully neutralized a series of cyberattacks targeting key government infrastructure and Olympic-related digital platforms. The attempted breaches, which officials say were linked to Russian actors, were aimed at foreign ministry offices and websites connected to the Games, raising concerns over cybersecurity threats surrounding major global events.
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, confirmed the incidents on Wednesday while speaking to reporters during an official visit to Washington, D.C. According to Tajani, the cyberattacks targeted several foreign ministry systems, including Italy’s diplomatic office in the U.S. capital, as well as websites associated with the Winter Olympics. Some hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the Games’ main host locations, were also reportedly among the intended targets.
While Tajani described the attacks as being “of Russian origin,” he did not disclose technical details or identify the specific groups believed to be responsible. “We prevented a series of cyberattacks against foreign ministry sites, starting with Washington, and also involving some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina,” he said. The comments came just two days before the official opening ceremony, scheduled to take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium.
The Winter Olympics officially began earlier this week with the first curling matches held in Cortina, marking the start of what Italian authorities expect to be one of the most heavily secured sporting events in the country’s history. The Games span a wide geographic area, stretching from Milan in northern Italy to the Dolomite mountain range, presenting unique logistical and security challenges.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, addressed parliament on the same day, outlining the scale of security preparations underway. He announced that approximately 6,000 security personnel have been deployed across Olympic venues. These forces include specialized units such as bomb disposal teams, anti-terrorism squads, snipers, and cybersecurity experts, all tasked with ensuring the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators.
The thwarted cyberattacks highlight the growing role of digital warfare in international tensions, particularly during high-profile global events. Major sporting competitions have increasingly become attractive targets for cyber operations due to their visibility, symbolic value, and reliance on digital infrastructure.
Although the Italian government has sought to reassure the public that the situation is under control, the incidents underscore the evolving nature of security threats in the modern era. As nations invest heavily in physical security, cyber defenses have become equally critical in protecting national interests and global events from disruption.
With the Games now underway, Italian officials say they remain on high alert, emphasizing that both physical and digital security measures will continue to be reinforced throughout the Olympic period.
