Tuhin Sarkar
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes
In an exclusive interview with Travel and Tour World (TTW), Veriti’s Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Oren Koren, highlighted the critical cybersecurity threats facing travelers to the Paris Olympics. Koren emphasized the rise of ticket fraud on Telegram channels and social media platforms, urging travelers to purchase tickets only from official sources. He also discussed the vulnerabilities in restaurant ordering systems and accommodations booked through platforms like Airbnb. Koren advised using secure payment methods, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding public Wi-Fi to enhance personal security during the event.
Travel And Tour World: What specific cybersecurity threats have been identified by Veriti that travelers to the Paris Olympics should be aware of?
Oren Koren: Veriti’s research has identified a significant cybersecurity threat for travelers to the Paris Olympics: ticket fraud through Telegram channels and social media platforms. Fraudsters are capitalizing on the event’s high demand by selling counterfeit tickets. This activity poses a risk to individuals seeking discounted tickets from unofficial sources. Travelers are advised to purchase tickets exclusively from official Olympic websites to avoid falling victim to these scams and to remain vigilant against sharing personal and financial information on unverified platforms.
Travel And Tour World: How can travelers protect themselves from exposed restaurant ordering systems that may pose a cyber risk?
Oren Koren: Travelers can protect themselves from cyber risks associated with exposed restaurant ordering systems by adopting several precautions. Firstly, use credit cards that offer two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security; this can involve receiving an approval request via SMS or email for each transaction. This helps mitigate the risk of credit card theft. Additionally, ensure the restaurant’s website or app is secure by looking for HTTPS in the URL. Always double-check your order and the total amount charged to confirm accuracy and detect any discrepancies that may indicate tampering. Lastly, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for online transactions, as these are often less secure and more susceptible to cyberattacks.
Travel And Tour World: What measures can travelers take to ensure their accommodations, especially those booked through platforms like Airbnb, are secure from cyber threats?
Oren Koren: To ensure their accommodations, especially those booked through platforms like Airbnb, are secure from cyber threats, travelers should take several measures. Firstly, verify the presence and positioning of surveillance cameras. While physical security is important, ensure cameras are only in public areas and not in private spaces.
Travel And Tour World: What are some common signs of online ticket scams, such as those that might occur on Ticketmaster, and how can travelers avoid falling victim to them?
Oren Koren: In most cases, you will see three types of scams:
Credit Card and Credential Theft: Scammers create fake websites or send phishing emails that mimic legitimate ticket vendors. These sites or emails capture your credit card details or steal your online credentials for common sites like Amazon, eBay, and more. These are very common scams and relatively simple to execute. Always verify the URL and look for secure site indicators such as HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
Data Exploitation Before Disclosure: Hackers who breach services like Ticketmaster may choose not to immediately publish the stolen data. Instead, they use the compromised information for further attacks, such as targeted phishing or selling the data on the dark web. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that prompt you to provide additional personal information.
Opportunistic Scams: When internal data from services like Ticketmaster is exposed, scammers may exploit this opportunity to deceive users. This can include selling fake tickets or providing false information. Always purchase tickets from official sources or authorized resellers to minimize risk.
Travel And Tour World: How is the cybersecurity landscape changing in anticipation of the Paris Olympics, and what new threats are emerging?
Oren Koren: As the Paris Olympics approach, the cybersecurity landscape is changing with new and evolving threats. One particularly concerning trend is the rise of attacks related to “media influence.” These attacks involve random protesters focusing on different topics every day or so, creating a psychological impact by generating chaos and uncertainty. Nation-states or other malicious actors could exploit social media and other platforms to influence public perception, disrupt the games, and inflame audiences.
From a cybersecurity perspective, the organizing teams seem well-prepared, with significant investments in advanced technology to secure the event. However, there remains a crucial concern: despite having the best technology, is it properly installed and configured? Misconfigurations or overlooked settings could leave critical vulnerabilities exposed, undermining the overall security efforts. Ensuring that all security measures are correctly implemented and continuously monitored will be essential to safeguard against potential cyber threats during the Olympics.
Travel And Tour World: What steps should travelers take to safeguard their personal information and devices while attending the Paris Olympics?
Oren Koren: Travelers attending the Paris Olympics should take several precautionary steps to safeguard their personal information and devices. Here are key measures to consider:
Purchase Tickets from Official Sources:
Always buy tickets through the official Olympics application or authorized sellers. Avoid third-party sellers or informal transactions, as these can lead to fraud or scams. In previous events, restrictions on ticket transfers led to risky exchanges, including the handover of physical phones to verify tickets. Avoid giving your phone to anyone and ensure any ticket exchange is legitimate and secure.
Secure Your Devices:
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your devices and accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
Keep Software Updated:
Ensure all your devices have the latest security updates and patches installed. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi:
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure and are often targeted by hackers. Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
Limit Personal Information Sharing:
Be mindful of the information you share online and on social media. Avoid posting your location in real-time or sharing details that could compromise your security.
Use Secure Payment Methods:
When making purchases, use secure payment methods and be cautious of phishing attempts. Verify the authenticity of websites before entering your payment information.