The Louvre’s video security password was reportedly ‘Louvre’

If you’ve been watching the non-technology news for the last couple of weeks… well first of all, I’m sorry. But you might have noticed that one of the most brazen robberies in recent memory happened at the legendary Louvre museum in Paris, where thieves made off with centuries-old crown jewels that have yet to be recovered.

According to a security investigation, the password for video surveillance system was “Louvre,” which is basically one step above “password.” Maybe this was less a jewel heist for the ages and more of a Hackers cosplay attempt. Safe, non-guessable passwords are kind of a big deal, as our own security expert will tell you.

French newspaper Libération (via PCGamer) reports that various audits of the museum’s security systems have revealed glaring and obvious issues. One such audit carried out in 2014 by France’s national cybersecurity agency showed that, indeed, the Louvre’s video surveillance system password was “Louvre.”

Subsequent audits found “serious shortcomings” in the museum’s systems, notably including easy access to rooftops during periods of construction and security software that was more than two decades old, and now unsupported by its developer. Anyone who’s had to work in an office that still has one Windows 98 machine running the ancient inventory system might be able to sympathize.

Currently it’s not known what factors contributed to the security failures of the robbery, though dozens of people are investigating. It occurred at 9:30 AM local time, during operating hours on a Sunday. A small truck with a mechanical ladder parked next to the museum, with four suspects using power tools to break into the gallery from the second floor.

Though guards and visitors were threatened, no one was hurt, and the thieves were out of the museum in just four minutes before escaping into Paris. The entire episode took only eight minutes in total.

Much will be said about the museum’s security in the aftermath — indeed, much has already been said — but I haven’t seen any indication that the video system was actually compromised or malfunctioning in 2025. Arrests have been made, and at the time of writing four people have been charged. The jewels and jewelry, valued at tens of millions of dollars, have not been recovered. The Louvre has been the site of many famous robberies and burglaries, including the Mona Lisa in 1911, but the most recent before now was in 1998.