Like us, many in corporate security and executive protection are well into their planning stages for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, France. Having protected many executives and global brands during previous Olympics, we know that many don’t fully understand the preplanning and coordination needed to support clients at an event of this size. While the public sees the glory of pageantry rarely do they hear about the challenges and threats facing the Olympics.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll offer our insights into the top threats facing the Olympic Games through the lens of seasoned risk management professionals. With our extensive experience in boutique, white glove executive protection and the decades of global protection experience we bring, we are attuned to the critical nuances of protecting those at such a significant event.
We start by looking at several areas of concern.
Terrorism: Analyzing the potential for terrorist attacks targeting Olympic venues, athletes, spectators, or infrastructure.
Cybersecurity: Assessing cybersecurity risks, including potential hacking attempts on critical systems, data breaches, or disruption of digital services during the Olympics.
Physical Security: Ensuring adequate physical security measures are in place to protect venues, athletes, officials, and spectators from threats such as unauthorized access, vandalism, or violence.
Public Health Emergencies: Planning for and mitigating the risks associated with public health emergencies such as pandemics, outbreaks of infectious diseases, or biosecurity threats.
Political Instability: Monitoring political developments in host and participating countries to identify potential sources of instability or unrest that could impact the safety and security of the Games.
Natural Disasters: Assessing the risks posed by natural disasters such as earthquakes, and wildfires and implementing measures to mitigate their impact on events.
Transportation Security: Evaluating transportation security risks, including threats to airports, public transit systems, or major roadways leading to Olympic venues.
Civil Unrest: Anticipating and preparing for the possibility of civil unrest, protests, or demonstrations that could disrupt the smooth operation of the Games.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding critical infrastructure such as power grids, telecommunications networks, and water supplies against potential threats or attacks.
As we approach the commencement of the Olympics on July 26th and conduct our own advance planning to support clients, we’ll be intensifying our focus on these key areas, providing in-depth analysis and insights in the coming months.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Insights into Security and the Olympics as we look at past incidents of terrorism targeting the Olympics and ditching the EP ego to form key relationships.
