The Louvre’s Digital Meltdown: How “LOUVRE” Became Its Weakest Link

A shocking investigation by Libération has exposed deep-rooted cybersecurity failures at the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited cultural institution.

According to the report, the museum’s internal surveillance systems used the password “LOUVRE,” while another vital network relied on “THALES” — two words that could be easily guessed by even amateur hackers.

The findings revealed a decade of neglect, including the use of outdated and unsupported versions of Windows software that left critical systems vulnerable to breaches.

Experts say these flaws amounted to “leaving the front door wide open” to cyberattacks. Despite warnings from France’s National Cybersecurity Agency as early as 2014, little was done to strengthen defenses.

The scandal surfaced during a post-theft investigation that shed light on how poor digital maintenance endangered not only the museum’s systems but also some of the most valuable artworks in human history, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

The revelation has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for global museums to modernize their digital infrastructure to protect cultural heritage in an era of escalating cyber threats.