POCOG Investigates Possible Cyber Attack During Opening Ceremony

(ATR) PyeongChang 2018 organizers aren't using the words "hack" or "cyber attack" but are investigating what they are calling "issues affecting some of our non-critical systems" during the Opening Ceremony on Friday night.

The Internet protocol televisions (IPTVs) at the Main Press Center malfunctioned due to the hit. In response, POCOG shut down their servers which meant the PyeongChang 2018 website went down, according to Yonhap.

This prevented spectators who purchased tickets to 2018 Winter Games events from printing their reservations, among other issues.

The website was back up and running at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Baik You Sung, POCOG spokesman, said little in his prepared statement to reporters on Saturday.

"There were some issues affecting some of our non-critical systems last night for a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to all those affected. This did not disturb any event or have an effect on the safety or security of any athletes or spectators."

He added that POCOG is currently investigating the cause of the issues and would share further information as they learned more details.

Norovirus Cases Increase

The latest numbers released on Saturday morning show the total confirmed cases of Norovirus is now at 139, with 11 new cases confirmed on Thursday.

Seven of the 11 new cases are security staff at the Hireb Youth Center in Jinbu, which has been the hardest hit by the outbreak. The security personnel staying at the center first reported symptoms of stomach pain and diarrhea on Feb. 4.

Central and local government measures to combat the outbreak remain in effect. Everyone is urged to wash hands often and eat thoroughly cooked food. POCOG has made hand sanitizing lotion easily available for journalists throughout the Main Press Center.

In total, 15,000 bottles of hand sanitizers have been provided by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and Korea Center for Disease Control.

Written by Gerard Farekin PyeongChang.

For general comments or questions,click here.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.