Visitors to the Winter Olympics have been told to be on their guard as the Italian foreign minister revealed the games have been part of a concerted cyber-attack on the country.

Days before the opening of the games Antonio Tajani  revealed that websites linked to the games and hotels in the host city Cortina had been targeted.

He said: “We prevented a series of cyberattacks against foreign ministry sites, starting with Washington and also involving some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina.”

The news has prompted insurance broker and cyber experts.

Kelly Butler, CEO Cyber at broker Marsh, said the attack served as a warning of the risks faced by the world and major sporting events.

“The targeting of the Winter Olympics by Russia-linked hackers is a clear reminder of how cyber threats are becoming more complex and tied to global events,” she explained. “It shows how important it is for everyone involved, from organisers to insurers, to stay vigilant and prepared. Cybersecurity is not just about technology – it is about understanding the bigger picture and the risks that come with it. This kind of incident highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting major events in an increasingly connected world.”

Cyber experts say visitors travelling to Italy for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are being urged to stay alert online.

ESET Ireland  said while the attacks were reportedly prevented, cybersecurity experts say the real risk for travellers is not high-level state hacking, but the surge in scams, impersonation emails and fake booking messages that typically surround major global events.

It added large sporting events consistently create a spike in malicious activity aimed at travellers, including fake ticket links, fraudulent accommodation offers, and messages claiming to be from airlines, hotels or official event organisers.

George Foley, cybersecurity specialist at ESET Ireland, said the pattern is well established.

“Major events like the Olympics create urgency and pressure. People are booking late, changing plans and reacting quickly to messages about tickets or accommodation,” he added. “That is exactly what scammers rely on. You do not need a successful cyberattack on Olympic systems for real harm to occur. Fake emails, cloned websites and impersonation messages are enough to cause disruption and financial loss.”

ESET Ireland is advising travellers to take precautions before and during travel.

Travellers should avoid clicking on links in emails, ads or messaging apps claiming to relate to tickets, accommodation or schedule changes, and instead go directly to official websites or apps. Two factor authentication should be enabled on email accounts and key travel services, as email takeover remains one of the most common ways criminals gain access to bookings and payment details.

People should also be cautious of messages claiming bookings have been cancelled or that urgent action is required, particularly where they are asked to call a number or make a payment. Any changes involving money or new links should be verified through a second channel.

“If you are travelling with family or a group, agree a simple rule in advance,” Foley cautioned. “Anything involving payment or a last-minute change gets checked twice. That alone can stop most scams.”

ESET Ireland said the same advice applies to anyone following the Games remotely, as fake livestreams, ticket giveaways and social media promotions are also commonly used to spread malware or steal login details during high profile international events.