Italian Authorities to Implement Heightened Security for Winter Olympics Through February 2026

The key security threats to the Olympic Games include terrorism, cyber threats, crime, civil unrest, and environmental risks:  

Terrorism: Italy typically faces a low-to-moderate risk of terrorism. A "lone wolf" terrorist attack is likely the single highest concern to local authorities. Counter-terrorism operations, including intelligence collection and the deployment of security resources, will likely focus on mitigating this risk. In recent years, security forces in several European countries have foiled planned terrorist attacks, and Italian officials will likely work closely with multinational partners. Entry and exit security checks will likely increase during the Games period.  

Cyber Threats: Cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors have increasingly targeted international sporting events in recent years. Hacker groups may attempt to access sensitive data and disrupt critical infrastructure or operations. Increased cyber incidents, such as phishing and scams, may be targeted against travelers to the Games. Russian-backed cybercriminals may target Italian national interests, given Rome's overt support for Ukraine.

Opportunistic Crime: Crime rates in northern Italy are relatively low; however, increased levels of petty theft and opportunistic crimes are likely during the Games. Enhanced police presence on public transport and around key locations will likely mitigate the risk of street crime during the events.

Civil Unrest: Industrial action by labor unions poses a potential disruption risk. Italian workers frequently stage strikes over various issues, including pay, working conditions, and job losses. Strikes typically impact the transport sector, including air travel, rail, and public transport services. Ahead of the Games, hotel and restaurant owners in mountainous areas have already staged small gatherings denouncing an access control system that they feel limits seasonal tourism to the area. Grievances may become more robust as the Games approach.

Civil society groups, political parties, and labor unions may use the global profile of the Olympic Games to advance their causes. Large-scale demonstrations in Italy, including pro-Palestinian and environmental campaigns, have been almost always peaceful in recent months. Milan faces a particular risk of being impacted by civil unrest during the Games, as activist groups denounce the environmental and economic impact of the Winter Olympics. 

Environmental/Health: Environmental and health risks pose background levels of risk. Authorities will likely monitor potential infectious threats, such as COVID-19, and have standby measures in place in the event of an outbreak. Italy has high-quality healthcare services. 
 

There will be a significant period of heightened security and travel disruptions across northern Italy through early 2026. Additional police, military personnel, and civilian security staff will be deployed at the Olympic venues, athletes' villages, media hubs, and other key locations. Officials may install concentric layers of access checks around high-priority sites. In parallel, security is likely to be heightened at landmark tourist locations and other sensitive sites across northern Italy. Road closures and additional security zones will be implemented for the duration of the Games. 

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