FIFA Men's World Cup
Putin: 25 million cyberattacks thwarted during World Cup
FIFA Men's World Cup

Putin: 25 million cyberattacks thwarted during World Cup

Published Jul. 16, 2018 9:53 a.m. ET

MOSCOW (AP) President Vladimir Putin says Russian and other security services thwarted nearly 25 million cyberattacks linked to the World Cup.

Putin announced the foiled attacks after Sunday's World Cup final - and just before meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is facing growing concerns about alleged Kremlin meddling and Russian cyberattacks on the U.S. electoral system.

In remarks released Monday by the Kremlin, Putin said the attempted cyberattacks targeted ''information infrastructure'' linked to the World Cup, but did not elaborate.

He spoke at a meeting with representatives of 55 intelligence units from 34 countries who worked on securing the tournament.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said that thanks to Russia's tight security there were no ''serious incidents'' and ''people who came to our country really felt they were safe.''

Putin's leadership has been marked by his strengthening of the country's security services.

share


Get more from FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more