Fear pro-Russian hackers could ruin Eurovision by disrupting broadcasts and silencing Eurovision next week
Ministers fear that pro-Russian hackers can disrupt Eurovision by shutting down the Eurovision song contest next week.
Experts from the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) were called in after the government and organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest raised concerns that the contest could become a digital front of the war in Ukraine. The times reports.
A senior Whitehall official said the biggest concern was possible hacking of the voting system, as last year police in Italy, where the contest took place, said the Killnet hacker group had targeted the first semi-final and grand final .
This year’s competition, held in Liverpool, will have cyber defenses reinforced by NCSC experts working with the Home Office and Department for Science.
In 2022, Italian police managed to thwart pro-Russian hacker attacks on the Turin contest, especially during performances by the Kalush Orchestra, which represented Ukraine and won the contest.
Experts from the National Cyber Security Center were called in after the government and Eurovision Song Contest organizers raised concerns that the Liverpool contest (pictured) could become a digital front of the war in Ukraine
Brookside actress Claire Sweeney will present the Eurovision final, while Paul Quinn, 32, from the Dingle area of Liverpool, will provide an alternative Scouse commentary
Scouser Paul Quinn, who was chosen to provide an alternative commentary in the host city’s regional accent
However, ministers still fear disruptions during this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. A security source told The Times: “While you can trust concertgoers to be safe, the cyber side is much more unpredictable.”
It is not known whether British security services are acting on specific information about a possible Russian hacker attack. The Kremlin has always denied involvement in cyber warfare against Western states.
A successful hacking attack during the 2019 game in Israel caused the national broadcaster’s online stream to be replaced with footage of explosions, which the Israeli government blamed on Hamas.
The government and local authorities have spent £14 million to host the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. According to a source familiar with protecting the show from cyber-attacks, the NCSC “routinely” assisted at major events like this.
Liverpool was chosen to host Eurovision after a public vote, beating Glasgow.
Paul Quinn, 32, from the Dingle area of Liverpool, will host the Eurovision final alongside Brookside actress Claire Sweeney, 52, on Saturday 13 May.
The BBC said it will be the first time the match’s audience will have the opportunity to listen to alternative commentary in the host city’s regional accent.