Ensuring Security at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games: A Comprehensive Analysis of Threats and Countermeasures

Introduction

From July 26 to August 11, 2024, Paris, France, became the epicenter of global attention as it hosted the Summer Olympic Games. The city was alive with local and international visitors, competing athletes, and a swarm of media personnel. However, amidst the excitement, a more sinister gaze was also fixed on the event. This article delves into the terrorism and cybersecurity threat landscape that law enforcement and military personnel faced during the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside the national prevention strategies employed by the French government. The primary aim is to analyze the exceptional level of security maintained during the Games and present this achievement as a case study for future large-scale events.

Understanding the French Terrorism Landscape

The threat of terrorism in France, particularly in the context of the 2024 Olympics, was multifaceted. According to the International Centre for Countering Terrorism (ICCT), the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, and Foreign Affairs, the most significant threats stemmed from jihadist groups, notably the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda. A stark reminder of these threats occurred on March 22, 2024, when an attack claimed by IS-KP at Crocus City Hall in Moscow sent shockwaves through European security agencies. The subsequent fear of potential attacks in major cities like London, Madrid, and Paris heightened the urgency for robust security measures.

Historically, French security services had concentrated on threats from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, the emergence of IS-KP, particularly active in Central Asia, necessitated a broader focus. The evolving nature of jihadist threats, characterized by lone offenders and remote-led cells using cold weapons, highlighted the need for vigilance.

Cybersecurity Concerns

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the threats posed by cybercriminals. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, an estimated 3.5 billion cyberattacks were anticipated—almost eight times the number faced during the Tokyo 2020 Games. Cyber threats ranged from ransomware and denial-of-service attacks to phishing and social engineering tactics. The potential for state-sponsored cyberattacks from nations such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran further complicated the security landscape.

The primary targets for these cyber threats included Olympic infrastructure, IT systems, and personal data of athletes and officials. The French government recognized the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to safeguard against these threats, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, tech companies, and international partners.

Why Target Paris 2024?

The allure of high-profile events like the Olympics makes them attractive targets for terrorist organizations. Soft targets, such as stadiums and public gatherings, are often less protected and more accessible to the public. The dense crowds and international attention surrounding the Olympics create a perfect storm for potential attacks. However, increased funding and resources allocated for security have contributed to a decline in successful terrorist attacks at such events.

French Strategies to Counter Terrorism and Cybercrime

The French government implemented a multi-layered security strategy to ensure the safety of the 2024 Olympics. Over the course of the Games, more than 9.5 million tickets were sold, necessitating a robust security presence. Approximately 45,000 police officers, 20,000 private security personnel, and 15,000 military members were deployed daily, supported by 2,000 foreign police staff. This formidable force was complemented by advanced AI surveillance technology, such as Wintics’ Cityvision software, which monitored mobility flow and identified potential risk zones.

The French security agency, Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure (DGSI), utilized the ‘Plan Vigipirate,’ a comprehensive security framework developed after the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. This plan consists of three levels of security: vigilance law, reinforced security law, and emergency law, each designed to respond to varying levels of threat.

Additionally, the French judicial system employs tools like the Fiche-S, or S-List, which identifies individuals posing a potential threat to public order. The juge d’instruction, or investigating magistrate, plays a crucial role in terrorism cases, ensuring that potential threats are addressed before they escalate.

Recommendations for Future Events

As governments prepare for large-scale events, several key recommendations emerge from the Paris 2024 case study:

1. Identify Vulnerabilities: Policymakers should assess location vulnerabilities and both physical and cyber threats to develop tailored security strategies.

2. Collaborative Planning: Engaging governmental and non-governmental actors in the planning process is essential for effective communication and response strategies.

3. Continuous Monitoring: Implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system for security strategies ensures adaptability in the face of evolving threats.

4. Ethical Considerations: Tech companies must prioritize ethical obligations, ensuring that surveillance technologies comply with human rights standards and data protection regulations.

5. Public Education: Governments should focus on educating the public about security measures and the importance of vigilance in preventing radicalization.

Conclusion

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games presented a unique set of challenges in terms of security and safety. The successful implementation of comprehensive counter-terrorism and cybersecurity strategies not only ensured the safety of millions but also set a precedent for future large-scale events. As we move forward, the lessons learned from Paris 2024 can serve as a valuable blueprint for governments, law enforcement agencies, and tech companies worldwide, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, vigilance, and ethical responsibility in safeguarding public safety.

Paola Testa is a Junior Analyst at Istituto Analisi Relazioni Internazionali (IARI) and a GYL and Y7 Observer (G7 Italy 2024) for Young Ambassadors Society (YAS). She specializes in MENA, with a strong focus on defense and security, humanitarian issues, women’s rights, equality, and inclusion. An advocate for diversity, she has represented various voices in fiction, on social media, and through geopolitical analysis. Follow her on X: @pao_la003 and LinkedIn: Paola Testa.