## **The Louvre’s Video Surveillance Password Was ‘Louvre’: A Major Security Breach Unveiled
In a shocking turn of events, the Louvre Museum in Paris became the target of a major security breach on October 18, 2024. Thieves managed to steal $102 million worth of crown jewels, an act that has raised serious concerns about the museum’s security protocols. The heist, which occurred in broad daylight, demonstrated that the museum’s defenses were sorely inadequate.
According to confidential documents reviewed by Liberation, the museum’s security vulnerabilities have long been documented. A 2014 cybersecurity audit conducted by the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) revealed that the Louvre’s systems were prone to infiltration. ANSSI experts were able to manipulate video surveillance and access badge systems by using trivial passwords like ‘Louvre.’ The museum’s reliance on outdated technology further compounded the issue. Some of the software used by the Louvre was purchased in 2003 and had been discontinued by its developers. This software ran on hardware that used Windows Server 2003, a version widely considered insecure.
The heist also exposed other lapses in the Louvre’s security infrastructure. Access to the museum’s rooftops was reportedly easy, especially during construction phases, allowing thieves to bypass physical barriers. The lack of robust visitor flow management contributed to the vulnerability. A 2015 audit by the National Institute for Advanced Studies in Security and Justice confirmed these flaws, recommending significant improvements. Despite these warnings, the Louvre continued to use outdated systems well into 2025.
The incident has sparked a critical reevaluation of security practices at the Louvre and other major cultural institutions. Experts have condemned the museum’s lax cybersecurity measures, emphasizing that even basic security protocols should not be ignored. The Louvre’s situation has also drawn parallels to common criticisms of video game designers, who have often been mocked for leaving crucial security codes in the open. Critics like Cass Marshall of Rogue have pointed out that the Louvre’s security failures are similar to those seen in many video games, where characters often leave vital information in plain sight.
While the exact details of the heist remain under investigation, one thing is clear: the Louvre’s security failures were not due to a single oversight but rather a pattern of neglect. The museum’s management has faced mounting pressure to modernize its security systems and prevent such breaches in the future. The event has also sparked wider discussions about the importance of cybersecurity in protecting cultural heritage and public institutions.