Ministers and Eurovision organizers have raised concerns about the possibility of pro-Russian hackers disrupting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was called in for investigation, with the main concern being a repetition of the incident that occurred in 2022, where the Killnet hacker group targeted the first semifinal and grand final of the event.
Killnet targeted the competition during performances of the Kalush Orchestra but was unable to prevent audiences from voting or viewing the show — thanks to the Italian police who managed to foil the pro-Russian hackers’ plans during the 2022 competition in Turin. However, in 2019, a successful hacking attack during the competition in Israel resulted in the replacement of the national broadcaster’s internet stream with footage of explosions.
It is unknown if any specific information regarding a prospective Russian hacker attack is being used by British security agencies as a basis for action. However, according to a security source, it’s safe for people to attend the event, but the cyber side is far more unpredictable. As a result, the competition will have augmented cyberattack protection from NCSC experts.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is scheduled to take place in Liverpool from May 9 to May 13. Initially, Ukraine, which won the competition last year, was selected as the host, but due to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, it was decided that Ukraine was not safe to hold the event in.
A monument representing a “symbol of hope” for Ukraine has been unveiled in Liverpool’s Strawberry Park ahead of Eurovision. It stands 16ft (5m) tall and has been installed as a temporary feature to be moved to Ukraine at a future date.