Russia ‘hacked the Olympics’ and tried to make it look like North Korea did it, US officials claim

Russian military spies hacked several hundred computers used at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, according to anonymous US intelligence officials.

They tried to make it appear as though the intrusion was by North Korea, the officials claim.

Officials in Pyeongchang acknowledged that the Games were hit by a cyberattack during the February 9 opening ceremony but refused to say whether Russia was responsible. That evening there were disruptions to the internet, broadcast systems and the Olympics website. Many attendees were unable to print their tickets, resulting in empty seats.

Analysts say the disruption may have been retaliation against the International Olympic Committee for banning the Russian team from the Winter Games due to alleged doping violations. No officials from Russia’s Olympic federation were allowed to attend, and while some athletes were permitted to compete under the designation “Olympic Athletes from Russia”, they were unable to display the Russian flag on their uniforms and, if they won medals, their country’s anthem was not played.