14 DAY TRIAL // World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has asked Microsoft to protect him against Russian hackers, as he expects to become the target of cyber attacks launched before the match with grandmaster Sergey Karjakin next week.
Carlsen says that he relied heavily on technology and computing power to prepare the match and he is afraid that Russian hackers would attempt to break into his computers to access information that could help Crimean-born Karjarin to win the match.
Microsoft will thus protect Carlsen’s data and will secure communications to make sure that nothing is lost or compromised. The identities of Carlsen’s advisers will also be protected, as Russian hackers could also launch attacks against them in attempts to access information about moves that were prepared for the match.
“The element of surprise is vitally important in chess,” Vibeke Hansen, head of the Communications department at Microsoft Norway, was quoted as saying.
“Therefore, it is critical that all communication during preparation and the finals is completely secure. Preparing for a World Championship demands a lot of work, analysis and strategic sparring - and a lot of computing power. The last few months before a match are filled with a lot of preparation and hard work; it is crucial that no data is lost or compromised.”
Already fighting off Russian hackers
Earlier this week, Microsoft revealed that an unpatched flaw in Windows operating systems was being exploited by Russian hackers who were believed to be part of the Strontium group, also known as Fancy Bear.
Microsoft claims that this group of hackers is linked to the Russian government and might be responsible for other attacks, including leaks of emails involving the United States presidential candidates.
A patch for the Windows flaw will be shipped on Tuesday, which is also election day, but Microsoft says that exploits have already been spotted online. Customers who want to remain secure need to update Adobe Flash Player and run Microsoft Edge browser, as they have already been patched against the flaw. Google Chrome is also secure, Google announced earlier this week.