The 2026 Winter Olympics held in Italy have attracted cybercriminals who exploit the event's global popularity to conduct phishing scams targeting fans and consumers. The primary attack vectors include fraudulent websites selling fake Olympic tickets, counterfeit merchandise stores impersonating official vendors, and fake streaming platforms offering free or discounted access to Olympic events. These phishing sites use cloned official logos, convincing imagery, and fabricated positive reviews to lure victims into submitting personal and payment information. The fake ticket scams capitalize on the limited availability of legitimate tickets, preying on fans' urgency and eagerness. Counterfeit merchandise scams involve fake online stores that steal payment details without delivering products. Bogus streaming services require users to register and provide credit card information under the guise of free access, often redirecting victims to unrelated or malicious sites after payment details are submitted. Although no direct exploitation of software vulnerabilities is involved, the social engineering tactics are sophisticated and widespread. The scams threaten confidentiality and financial integrity of victims and can cause reputational damage to legitimate Olympic partners. Kaspersky recommends a multi-layered defense including reliable security software that blocks phishing attempts and malicious sites, vigilance in verifying URLs, and strict adherence to official sales and streaming channels. The threat does not require advanced technical skills to exploit but relies on user interaction and trust, making it a significant risk during the event timeframe.

For European organizations, the direct impact is primarily on consumers and employees who may fall victim to these scams, leading to financial losses and potential identity theft. Indirectly, organizations involved in tourism, event management, broadcasting, and retail may suffer reputational harm if customers associate them with fraudulent activities. The influx of tourists to Italy and increased online viewership across Europe heighten exposure to these scams. Financial institutions may see increased fraud attempts and chargebacks. The threat also stresses the importance of cybersecurity awareness among employees and customers during major international events. Data breaches resulting from phishing can lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Furthermore, the disruption caused by widespread scams can erode trust in digital commerce and streaming services, impacting business continuity and customer loyalty.

European organizations and individuals should strictly use only official Olympic ticketing platforms and authorized merchandise retailers. Implement advanced endpoint security solutions capable of real-time phishing detection and blocking, such as those offered by Kaspersky Premium. Conduct targeted awareness campaigns before and during the Olympics to educate users on identifying phishing URLs, fake stores, and fraudulent streaming services. Encourage verification of URLs and discourage clicking on unsolicited links in emails, texts, or social media. Financial institutions should monitor for unusual transaction patterns related to Olympic-themed purchases. Organizations involved in broadcasting should communicate clearly about official streaming options to reduce demand for unauthorized streams. Employ multi-factor authentication on accounts to reduce the impact of credential theft. Finally, establish rapid incident response procedures to address any phishing incidents or fraud reports promptly.