Eurovision Security Recap: 16 Arrests and Over 500 Cyberattacks Thwarted in Vienna

The majority of charges—57—were for administrative violations, while 17 involved criminal offenses. Police also handled 78 identity verifications during the week-long event.

Cyber Threats and Countermeasures

Officials reported approximately 500 "serious" cyberattacks targeting Eurovision infrastructure, all of which were successfully neutralized. "These are typical overload attacks that happen daily in business and elsewhere," said a security official identified as Takacs.

Takacs emphasized that defenses held firm: "The firewall worked—at no point was the event’s operation endangered. Protection was guaranteed at all times." Collaboration with Vienna municipal authorities and private cybersecurity teams played a critical role in mitigating threats, including those attributed to "Islamist groups and Iran-affiliated terror cells," according to a statement.

Event Impact and Reactions

Beyond Eurovision, police managed 6,500 operations citywide during the week, peaking at 1,100 incidents on Wednesday. Emergency services logged 890 hours of duty. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner praised the efforts, stating, "State security did excellent preparatory work," and thanked police, private contractors, and municipal partners.

Thurnher celebrated the contest’s smooth execution: "The mood was fantastic; everyone was thrilled." She described Eurovision as not just a music show but "a European public event in live format."