Louvre used 'LOUVRE' as password for security before $102M heist
What's the story
The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, was the target of a $102 million jewel heist on October 19. The audacious robbery took place in under seven minutes. Eight pieces of jewelry were stolen from Apollo Gallery, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to his wife Empress Marie Louise and the 19th-century crown of Empress Eugenie. A report by France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has now revealed that the museum used a weak password, "LOUVRE," for its core security systems.
Vulnerability revealed
Museum's security breach during robbery
This password was first disclosed in a 2014 audit by ANSSI. According to French newspaper Libération, ANSSI wrote in its 2014 audit that this security network is where "the museum's most critical protection and detection equipment is connected." A follow-up audit in 2015, found "serious shortcomings," such as faulty visitor management, open rooftop access during renovations, and the museum's security software at the time was running on Windows Server 2003.
Director's admission
Louvre director admitted to security failures
Louvre director Laurence des Cars admitted to security failures during her testimony last month. She blamed deficient infrastructure and lack of surveillance cameras for the breach. Des Cars said, "Despite our efforts...we were defeated. We did not detect the thieves' arrival early enough." She also revealed that exterior cameras do not cover all parts of the museum's facade and the window used by thieves was not monitored by CCTV.
Arrests made
Four suspects arrested in connection with heist
French authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the heist. Two were arrested a week after the robbery, while two more were apprehended on October 29. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said one suspect remains at large and is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. The arrests came after extensive investigations into what has been described as an "Ocean's 11-style" heist.