2026 Winter Olympics in Italy: The Cyber Threats Waiting for You in Milano Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are scheduled to start on February 6th. That is just weeks away. While the world prepares to watch the best athletes compete for gold in Milano Cortina, a different competition is already underway. Cybercriminals, nation-state hackers, and organised crime groups are positioning themselves to exploit the Games. And if you are planning to attend, compete, sponsor, or broadcast, you are already a target.
Cyber News Live has spent months investigating the cyber threat landscape surrounding these Games. Since 2015, Cyber News Live has published independent threat analysis for every Olympic Games, and our findings for Milano Cortina 2026 are now available to download for free. But first, here is what you need to understand about the risks you face.
Weeks Away and the Threats Are Already Live
Cyber News Live has identified fake ticket websites already appearing online. These sites look professional and convincing, often appearing in search results alongside legitimate sources. Victims pay for tickets that never arrive, handing over credit card details and personal information to criminals in the process. Accommodation scams are following the same playbook, targeting fans searching for hotels and apartments near Olympic venues.
But the threats go far beyond scams targeting spectators. Cyber News Live’s research has identified nation-state hacking groups with documented histories of Olympic operations actively positioning for these Games. APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, has previously targeted anti-doping agencies and leaked confidential athlete medical records. With geopolitical tensions running high and certain nations excluded from competition, the motivation for cyber retaliation is significant.
This Isn’t the First Time
Every recent Olympic Games has faced serious cyber incidents. Paris 2024 recorded over 140 cyberattacks during the event. The organisers successfully prevented disruption, but only through extensive preparation with France’s national cybersecurity agency. PyeongChang 2018 was hit by the Olympic Destroyer malware, which temporarily knocked out the official website, broadcast systems, and Wi-Fi in the stadium during the opening ceremony.
Milano Cortina presents unique challenges that previous Games did not face. This is the first Winter Olympics spread across multiple regions, spanning 22,000 square kilometres. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in different cities for the first time since 1984. Every additional venue, every partner connection, and every piece of distributed infrastructure expands the attack surface.
Who Needs to Pay Attention
This report is not just for cybersecurity professionals. The threats surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy affect everyone connected to the Games.
Spectators and travellers need to understand how to verify official ticket sources, spot accommodation fraud, and protect their devices when using public Wi-Fi networks at venues. A single mistake could mean financial loss, identity theft, or both.
Athletes and team officials should know that their training regimes, competition strategies, therapeutic use exemptions, and private communications are all potential targets. State-sponsored groups have leaked this type of information before to embarrass individuals and undermine sporting integrity.
Sponsors and corporate partners face a different kind of risk. Your brand is being used as a lure in phishing campaigns targeting employees, customers, and suppliers. A breach in your systems could compromise the entire Games ecosystem through supply chain attacks. With 54 official partnerships, the attack surface is enormous.
Media and broadcasters are high-value targets for disruption. With three billion viewers watching, interrupting broadcasts or injecting disinformation creates maximum global impact. Deepfakes featuring athletes or officials are an emerging threat that demands attention.
Inside the Full Report
Cyber News Live’s comprehensive threat analysis covers the complete landscape. You will find detailed profiles of nation-state actors, including APT28, Mustang Panda, and Kimsuky. Cyber News Live examines organised crime operations from ransomware gangs to business email compromise specialists. The report analyses hacktivist groups, including environmental activists who have conducted campaigns in Milan.
Cyber News Live also covers the emerging role of artificial intelligence in attacks, from automated phishing at scale to deepfake content. The report includes a full sponsor matrix with all 54 official partners, practical recommendations for defence, and lessons learned from Paris 2024 and previous Games.
Download the Free Threat Analysis
Since 2015, Cyber News Live has published independent threat analysis for every Olympic Games, summer and winter. Cyber News Live reports are used by security teams, government agencies, and corporate partners around the world.
Cyber News Live’s complete 2026 Winter Olympics Italy threat analysis is available now. No signup required. No paywall. Just the intelligence you need to protect yourself, your organisation, and your people.
Download: Cyber News Live_Cyber Threat Landscape_2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Questions or media enquiries? Contact us at contact@cybernewslive.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy?
The 2026 Winter Olympics take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina, Italy. The Paralympic Games will take place from March 6 to 15, 2026. This is the first Winter Olympics hosted in Italy since Turin 2006.
What are the main cyber threats at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
According to Cyber News Live’s threat analysis, the main cyber threats targeting Milano Cortina 2026 include nation-state hacking groups (APT28, Mustang Panda, Kimsuky), fake ticket and accommodation scams, AI-powered phishing attacks, ransomware targeting event infrastructure, and hacktivist disruption campaigns. Cyber News Live notes that Paris 2024 faced over 140 cyberattacks during the Games.
Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics venues located?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will span four regions across 22,000 square kilometres: Milan (opening ceremony, ice hockey, skating), Cortina d’Ampezzo (alpine skiing, curling, bobsled), Valtellina (freestyle skiing, snowboarding), and Val di Fiemme (cross-country, ski jumping, Nordic combined). Cyber News Live identifies this as the largest geographic footprint in Winter Olympic history, significantly expanding the cyber attack surface.
How can I avoid ticket scams for Milano Cortina 2026?
Cyber News Live warns that fake ticket websites are already active online, targeting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Official tickets are sold exclusively through the Milano Cortina 2026 official website and authorised resellers. Cyber News Live advises fans to verify any ticket purchase through official channels only and never buy tickets through social media ads, unsolicited emails, or unofficial third-party sites.
Who are the official sponsors of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy?
According to Cyber News Live’s sponsor matrix, the 2026 Winter Olympics have 54 official sponsors across six tiers. Worldwide TOP Partners include Airbnb, Alibaba, Allianz, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Omega, P&G, Samsung, and Visa. Premium Partners include Italian companies ENEL, Eni, Intesa Sanpaolo, Leonardo, Poste Italiane, Stellantis, TIM, and Gruppo FS Italiane.
What cybersecurity measures are in place for Milano Cortina 2026?
Cyber News Live reports that Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) has signed a cooperation protocol with the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. The Polizia Postale CNAIPIC will operate a 24/7 cybercrime response centre. Cyber News Live’s analysis indicates these measures build on lessons learned from Paris 2024 and France’s ANSSI, which successfully defended against 140+ attacks without disrupting events.
2026 Winter Olympics in Italy: Key Facts
- Event: XXV Olympic Winter Games
- Dates: February 6 to 22, 2026 (Paralympics: March 6 to 15)
- Host cities: Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme
- Geographic area: 22,000 square kilometres (largest Winter Olympics footprint)
- Official sponsors: 54 partners across six tiers
- Expected viewers: 3 billion globally
- Cybersecurity lead: Italy’s ACN (Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale)
- Historical precedent: Paris 2024 faced 140+ cyberattacks; PyeongChang 2018 hit by Olympic Destroyer malware
About Cyber News Live
Cyber News Live is an independent cybersecurity intelligence organisation specialising in threat analysis for major global events. Since 2015, Cyber News Live has published comprehensive threat assessments for every Olympic Games, summer and winter, in collaboration with industry partners and government agencies.
Cyber News Live’s Olympic threat reports are utilized by security operations centers, national cybersecurity agencies, corporate security teams, and event organizers worldwide. The organisation’s analysts have tracked nation-state threat actors, cybercriminal groups, and hacktivist campaigns targeting international sporting events for nearly a decade.
For the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Cyber News Live conducted months of research analysing threat actor capabilities, attack vectors, historical precedents, and the unique risk factors presented by the Milano Cortina Games. The full report is available as a free public resource.