Austria stops 500 cyberattack attempts on Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

Austrian authorities reported that nearly 500 cyber‑attack attempts targeting the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 were detected and blocked during the competition week in Vienna. The attacks aimed at the contest’s official website and the venue’s access‑control systems. Michael Takács, head of the federal police, said the perpetrators tried to slow down or disable critical infrastructure, but all attempts were neutralised before causing damage.

Around 3,500 Austrian police officers, supported by special units from Bavaria, Germany, were deployed to secure the event. Security services also intensified monitoring of social‑media activity and warned of heightened polarization, extremist threats and possible links to groups with ties to Iran. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the operation succeeded in keeping the contest safe and peaceful.

The week also saw political protests over Israel’s participation. Austrian police detained 14 masked pro‑Palestinian activists for refusing to disperse during a peaceful protest, and made a total of 16 arrests, including one individual who attempted to breach a security barrier. Despite the tense atmosphere, the Eurovision broadcast proceeded without major interruptions.