In the modern world, the issues of cybersecurity and protection of important facilities are extremely urgent. However, many people still treat the updating of security systems lightly — as if “it works, so it’s fine.” Practice shows that a system that has not been updated for years turns into a time bomb. A vivid proof of this is the recent high-profile robbery in one of the most famous museums in the world.
A lesson from the Louvre robbery
In October 2025, a telling event occurred: four thieves, in broad daylight, robbed the Paris Louvre, taking away around €100 million worth of valuables in just seven minutes. The criminals entered the museum using a construction lift and a ladder and accessed the hall with imperial jewels through a balcony. As it became clear after the incident, the success of the scheme was largely due to the outrageous obsolescence of the museum’s security system. The password for accessing the video surveillance servers turned out to be shockingly simple — “Louvre” (that is, the name of the museum), and the software for the security cameras was running on the Windows Server 2003 operating system, which had not received security updates for many years. Moreover, internal audits had been warning about “trivial” passwords and vulnerabilities in the Louvre network since 2014, but no proper measures were taken. Thus, by 2025, the museum was essentially using 20-year-old protection technologies and methods — until criminals took advantage of this.
The consequences were both tragic and somewhat ironic. Paris was shaken by the news of the daring theft of French crown jewels — yet the perpetrators were not brilliant “treasure hunters,” but ordinary small-time criminals. The Paris prosecutor openly stated that the Louvre had been robbed not by professionals but by a group of amateurs. Indeed, the thieves acted hastily and clumsily: they even left behind one of the most valuable regalia — the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The criminals dropped the historical jewel while fleeing, so it ended up with the police damaged but intact. Such an inglorious outcome became possible only because the museum’s security system lacked basic modern reliability. As Louvre director Laurence des Cars admitted, the existing security infrastructure did not meet contemporary challenges: there were too few surveillance cameras, and even those were in poor condition. One of the most famous museums in the world paid dearly for years of ignoring updates and modernization of its security system.
What happens when updates are ignored
The case of the Louvre clearly demonstrates the risks caused by chronically postponing security updates. Outdated software and equipment contain numerous known vulnerabilities — essentially open doors for attackers. Hackers and malware constantly look for “holes” in defenses, and if software has not been updated for years, the chance of these being found and exploited is close to 100%. Unfair competition, leakage of confidential data, financial losses — all of this is a real threat when a company or user neglects regular security patches. Virtually all major cybersecurity incidents in recent years have in one way or another been linked to vulnerabilities for which patches already existed but were not installed in time. One example is the WannaCry ransomware epidemic in 2017, which paralyzed thousands of computers worldwide: the virus exploited a Windows vulnerability that Microsoft had patched months earlier, but the affected systems had not been updated. By ignoring updates, we essentially leave an old rusty lock on the door — one that a thief can easily pick.
The vulnerability caused by lack of updates applies not only to computer software but also to physical security measures. Modern criminals are technically savvy and find weak points both in digital and real-world infrastructures. If alarms, cameras, or locks are outdated, they are bypassed just as easily as an outdated antivirus. In the case of the Louvre, we saw a “perfect storm”: both the electronic security system failed due to its age, and the physical security organization was far from ideal. With each year without updates, the level of protection steadily decreases, while the arsenal of attackers only grows. In other words, neglecting modernization gradually nullifies all previous defense layers — and sooner or later, the consequences will become inevitable.
How to keep security up to date
To avoid a scenario similar to the Louvre’s, it is necessary to follow several simple principles. First of all, regularly install updates for all components of your system — from operating systems and server software to applications, surveillance cameras, and network equipment. Manufacturers release updates for a reason: most of them contain fixes for known vulnerabilities. By postponing updates “until later,” you are knowingly leaving your system unprotected against already identified threats.
It is equally important to pay attention to the human factor: use complex passwords and change them periodically. Avoid trivial combinations like the company name or “123456,” as such “secrets” are cracked instantly. Password management policies should be clear and followed by all employees. If security audits or penetration tests are conducted — do not ignore their recommendations. As the Louvre story shows, warnings are worthless if they are put in a drawer — the problems will not disappear and will only accumulate.
In addition to software updates, upgrade and improve physical security measures. Ensure that critical areas are covered with a sufficient number of functioning cameras, sensors, and alarms. An old, low-quality camera in an important location is nearly as useless as having no camera at all. Invest in modern security technologies: today, systems with facial recognition, AI-based motion detection, and similar tools are widely available. They significantly increase the chances of detecting and preventing threats in time.
Finally, do not forget about online security, as in the digital age it concerns everyone. One of the basic steps is to use encryption to protect transmitted data. If you have a website, make sure it operates over the secure HTTPS protocol. For this, an SSL certificate is required — a kind of “digital passport” of the site that encrypts traffic and protects user data from interception. The absence of an up-to-date SSL certificate not only scares visitors away with warnings but also puts confidential information at risk. Fortunately, obtaining and installing an SSL certificate today is very simple — RX-NAME provides the ability to quickly issue a certificate for your site and switch it to a secure protocol. This is a small step that significantly increases the overall level of protection.
Smart people learn from others’ mistakes
The story of the Louvre became a loud reminder of the cost of negligence in matters of security. To avoid becoming the next negative example, it is worth ensuring the relevance of all components of your security system today. Regular updates, proven protection methods, and attention to detail are the recipe for peace of mind. It is better to “change the tires” of your security system on time than to deal with the consequences of a major accident later. Security is an ongoing process, but it is worth the effort: by investing in protection today, you preserve your values and reputation tomorrow.
Never let your security system run on autopilot. If it is not updated for years, it is destined to fail at the worst possible moment. On the contrary, by keeping it up to date and using modern solutions (from basic patches to SSL certificates), you significantly complicate the work of attackers and protect yourself from extraordinary situations. The Louvre’s lesson benefits all of us: security does not tolerate stagnation — so keep updating, and stay safe.
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