Shocking Security Breach: Louvre Museum's $102 Million Heist Linked to Simple "LOUVRE" Password

Following the brazen $102 million heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, investigators have revealed a startling security vulnerability: the museum's core security system was protected by the password "LOUVRE" itself.

According to France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) investigation into the October 19 robbery, this elementary password was easily compromised. Confidential documents acquired by Liberation showed that ANSSI had previously accessed the museum's surveillance servers using this same basic password, with the vulnerability initially identified during a 2014 security audit.

The audit highlighted "serious shortcomings" in the museum's digital security infrastructure, including dependence on two-decade-old software for critical protection systems. ANSSI warned at that time: "An attacker who manages to take control of it would be able to facilitate damage or even theft of artworks."

Whether the Louvre implemented password changes or system updates following these warnings remains undetermined.

The audacious robbery occurred in daylight when four individuals wearing construction vests and motorcycle helmets utilized a cherry picker to access the museum's Apollo Gallery.

Within just seven minutes, they shattered glass display cases using chainsaws and escaped with eight invaluable gems, including a sapphire diadem, necklace, and earring that once belonged to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense.

After descending via the same cherry picker, the thieves attempted to burn the vehicle before escaping on two scooters stationed nearby.

French authorities have subsequently arrested four suspects, three of whom are believed to have participated directly in the heist. Investigators indicate several suspects have histories of theft and may have executed the Louvre robbery on commission.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati has announced that "anti-ramming" and "anti-intrusion" barriers will be installed at the Louvre by year's end.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars acknowledged surveillance camera deficiencies, noting that the only camera near the thieves' entry point was oriented away from the balcony they utilized.

While Dati confirmed that internal security systems remained functional during the incident, she emphasized "major flaws" in the museum's external protection measures.