French Police Probe Ransomware Attack on Major Museums

A ransomware attack recently targeted the central data system for the Grand Palais in Paris and 40 other museums in the Réunion des Musées Nationaux network across France, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. The attack was detected on Sunday, per the Associated Press.

Two notable venues in the RMN network, the Grand Palais and the Château de Versailles, are currently hosting Olympic events. Fencing and taekwondo competitions are taking place at the iconic glass-roofed exhibition hall; the modern pentathlon and equestrian events are being held at the former royal residence commissioned by King Louis XIV located 12 miles west of Paris.

Authorities in Paris said the ransomware attack did not cause any disruption to Olympic events. The investigation of the incident has been assigned to the Brigade for Combating Cybercrime.

According to FranceInfo Radio, the perpetrators behind the incident are demanding a ransom within 48 hours, or they will otherwise release the encrypted financial data they had obtained from the RMN network.

The Louvre museum said it was not a victim of this attack.

The Grand Palais will also be the location of the upcoming Art Basel Paris fair this October.