As the world prepares for the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina 2026, fans and visitors alike are gearing up for the spectacle of high-level winter sports. But there’s another group equally excited about this global event — cybercriminals. Major sporting events have long attracted digital opportunists, and the Winter Olympics’ massive international following and extensive online footprint make it a fertile hunting ground for scams, phishing and other cyberthreats.
Why Sporting Events Are Attractive to Cybercriminals
High-profile events such as the Olympics generate intense global interest. This creates an expansive surface of potential targets — from ticket buyers and fans seeking updates, to attendees on the ground with smartphones and laptops in hand. The volume of online searches, ticketing transactions and app downloads provides ample opportunity for fraudsters to deploy deceptive schemes.
Cybercriminals have exploited large sporting events in the past. For example, during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, destructive malware — known as Olympic Destroyer — crippled IT systems by taking down Wi-Fi hotspots, interrupting live broadcasts and targeting backend servers for the official app.
Common Scams and Cyberthreats to Watch For
Here are the key digital threats fans should be aware of as excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Games:
1. Phishing Attempts
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent threats. Scammers send unsolicited emails, SMS, or social media messages, posing as Olympic organizers, sponsors, or services, aiming to trick recipients into revealing personal or financial information or downloading malware. These emails can include links to:
- Free streaming links that ultimately deliver malware or attempt credential theft.
- Fake “special prizes” or last-minute ticket offers.
- Alerts regarding cancelled tickets or issues with payment that prompt victims to click on malicious URLs.
2. Fake Olympics Websites
Fraudsters build high-traffic fake web pages that imitate legitimate ticketing sites, travel booking services or Olympic partner stores. These fraudulent sites either collect payment without delivering anything, or harvest sensitive user data. Some even list fake accommodations or ticket deals on otherwise legitimate platforms like classifieds or marketplaces.
3. Free and Illegal Streaming Sites
Sites claiming to provide free live streams of Olympic events often carry hidden malware embedded in files, links, or plugins. They may also host aggressive overlay ads that redirect users to malicious domains or trigger automatic malware downloads.
4. Malicious Mobile Apps
Fraudulent mobile applications masquerade as official Olympic downloadables. These rogue apps are typically hosted on third-party app stores, and once installed, can contain info-stealing malware that captures credentials or sensitive phone data.
5. SEO Poisoning
Scammers invest in search engine manipulation — also known as SEO poisoning — to get malicious sites to rank high in search results. A compromised top search result increases the risk of “drive-by” downloads or tricking users into divulging personal data under the assumption the site is legitimate.
6. Support Scams
If someone tweets or posts about problems with flight bookings, ticketing, or accommodations, fraudsters may respond pretending to be official support representatives. Their goal is to collect personal, booking or financial data under the pretense of helping.
7. Fake Employment Offers
Bogus job postings, claims of volunteer opportunities or paid roles related to the Olympics may be designed not to hire you but to harvest your data or get you to pay a “processing fee.” Legitimate volunteering or job sites are official and do not charge for processing.
8. AI-Powered Scams and Deepfakes
Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to craft highly convincing phishing messages and cloned websites in perfect local languages. They are also capable of producing realistic deepfake audio or video, including fabricated messages from well-known athletes soliciting donations for fake charities or training funds.
9. QR Code Phishing (“Quishing”)
With QR codes ubiquitous at physical events — from menus to event schedules — attackers embed malicious QR codes in posters, flyers or online images. When scanned, these can redirect a device to phishing sites or trigger malware downloads. This exploit is especially effective because people tend to trust QR codes more than traditional URLs.
10. Public Wi-Fi Threats
Fake or look-alike Wi-Fi hotspots set up at venues or nearby locations can intercept data, including login credentials and payment information. Because mobile devices are often less protected than laptops or desktops, users on public Wi-Fi face increased risks.
How to Protect Yourself
Cybersecurity experts recommend following these best practices:
- Buy tickets only from official sources, such as the official ticketing portals.
- Use only authorized broadcasters for online event streaming to avoid malicious sites.
- Ignore unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate, especially those containing links or attachments.
- Check seller reviews and verified badges when browsing listings on marketplaces.
- Download the official Olympics app for accurate schedules, maps, and digital tickets.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi where possible; use a trusted VPN if you must connect.
- Be cautious with QR codes, especially ones received via email or social platforms.
- Install reputable anti-malware software on all devices to defend against phishing, malware and other threats.
- Never pay to volunteer or for supposed “exclusive access” — legitimate Olympic organizers do not require fees for official roles.
The Winter Olympics will undoubtedly be thrilling for sports fans worldwide. But digital attackers will be equally eager to take advantage of the buzz. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure that your Olympic experience stays exciting — and safe.
