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Audit Reveals Louvre Used ‘Louvre’ as CCTV Password as Heist Exposes Deep Security Failings

France’s state auditor says years of spending choices left key areas without cameras, pushing essential upgrades out to 2032.

Overview

  • The Cour des Comptes published a pre-heist review calling the October theft a “deafening wake-up call” and urging immediate implementation of long-delayed security work.
  • Confidential ANSSI findings reported that in 2014 the video-surveillance server used the password “LOUVRE,” another system used “THALES,” and parts of the network ran on obsolete Windows 2000/Server 2003.
  • Only about 39% of rooms had CCTV in 2024, upgrades were tendered only last year, and the Louvre does not expect full modernization before 2032, the report says.
  • Investigators say four masked thieves used a truck-mounted lift to enter the Apollo Gallery on 19 October and stole eight crown-jewel pieces in roughly seven minutes.
  • Police have arrested several suspects and reported partial admissions, yet none of the jewels have been recovered as lawmakers question leaders and the culture minister orders a new security department.