Terror alert level 4

Police successfully navigate the sensitive Song Contest

The police have given a positive assessment following the ESC week.(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

Nervous moments during the ESC weekend in Vienna! Shortly before the final, security authorities were confronted with a series of cyberattacks. The Song Contest presented the country with numerous challenges, and emergency services were on duty around the clock. Despite everything, the atmosphere remained peaceful and festive.

Many looked forward to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with mixed feelings: Israel’s participation, the tense global geopolitical situation, and Terror Alert Level 4 raised security concerns in the capital in the run-up to the event. The foiled terror plot surrounding the Taylor Swift concert also continues to resonate with many when it comes to large-scale events.

At a press conference on Monday to review the ESC, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner spoke of a “wide range” of challenges for domestic security authorities, such as the current Level 4 terror alert, which are often invisible to the public. He expressly thanked all 5,000 officers who were on duty for the ESC.

A successful outcome despite terror alert level 4
Karner cites several reasons for the overall positive course of the past few days and offers an initial assessment. According to Karner, the somewhat bumpy start was due to traffic jams caused by several events marking the ESC opening, and visitors were also affected by the bad weather. However, security was clearly the top priority. “That was a success,” said the Interior Minister. “It was wonderful that it took place here in Vienna.” There was a clear zero-tolerance policy. The police were approachable, visible, and modern in their approach, including through an increased presence on social media.

The police have drawn a positive conclusion following the ESC week.(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

Law enforcement personnel from all federal states were deployed to meet the ESC security requirements in the capital.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

There was a heavy police presence throughout the ESC. Every visitor was thoroughly screened.(Bild: Eva Manhart)

The authorities were also prepared in advance for another threat—namely, cyberattacks. Since the start of the Song Contest, as reported, numerous websites—including Wiener Linien, Graz Airport, and theWiener Stadthalle—are said to have been targeted by hackers. According to Federal Police Director Michael Takács, a total of 500 cyberattacks were recorded. The goal was to disrupt, slow down, or completely paralyze systems. However, the groups did not succeed; at no point was the event’s proceedings jeopardized, Takács said.

The attackers’ goal was to disrupt, slow down, or completely shut down the systems. Thanks to good teamwork, however, they were unable to penetrate them.

Bundespolizeidirektor Michael Takács

500 cyberattacks repelled
There were therefore some anxious moments shortly before Saturday’s final at ORF, when, according to information from “Krone,” the broadcaster was among those targeted by these attacks. The group “NoName,” which is believed to operate out of Russia and had already been linked to attacks on Austria prior to the National Council election, is considered the likely perpetrator. In any case, the wave of cyberattacks by hackers was successfully fended off by a specially established task force. 

In any case, the domestic security authorities were able to master the numerous challenges with flying colors. The Wiener Stadthalle was temporarily transformed into a “high-security zone” with airport-style entry checks, sniffer dogs, armored vehicles, and a drone ban. A total of around 22,000 people underwent security checks, as State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) emphasized.

Only 16 arrests
According to Deputy Police Chief Dieter Csefan, there were only 16 arrests in total, most of which were related to the ban on face coverings during a demonstration. One person, for example, gained unauthorized access to the event grounds, while another person is in custody for other offenses not directly related to the ESC.

The number of reports remained manageable: a total of 74 were recorded. Among other things, an influencer is said to have attempted to gain access to the backstage area with a fake accreditation to take photos. There were no major incidents, and the police did not have to use a service weapon even once.