Elevated Event Status Raises the Security Bar
When Cannes received its “major event” status, it triggered enhanced counter-terrorism measures, increased surveillance, and stricter credentialing.
Takeaway: Proactively establish early communication with local and federal authorities to align intelligence sharing and operational protocols.
Flexibility Is Crucial in Security Planning
Unexpected policy changes, like last-minute dress code enforcement for celebrity guests, forced sudden reroutes and delays.
Takeaway: Build flexibility into security planning and ensure rapid-response communication channels are embedded across teams.
Silent Protests Highlight the Need for Deeper OSINT
Silent demonstrations bypassed traditional alert systems, causing disruptive moments without warning.
Key Insight: Silent protests often evade standard monitoring. Enhancing OSINT capabilities is essential.
Takeaway: Expand OSINT coverage to include encrypted channels, niche forums, and less-visible digital footprints.
Drone Detection is No Longer Optional
Unauthorized drones entered restricted airspace during red carpet events, revealing security gaps.
Takeaway: Invest in drone detection and counter-UAS systems for all major events.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure is Essential
An electrical substation outage—likely arson—disrupted transport and comms. While mitigated by backups, it exposed vulnerabilities.
Graphic request for Akai: Infographic showing critical infrastructure security layers and backup power solutions for events.
Takeaway: Secure infrastructure points and regularly test backup systems to prepare for both cyber and physical sabotage.
Unified Coordination Among Security Teams Is Vital
Fragmented communication among private security teams led to operational lags and territorial confusion.
Key Insight: Unified pre-event coordination prevents security blind spots and delays.
Takeaway: Standardize protocols and mandate unified pre-event coordination between all participating security groups.
Unexpected Crowd Surges Require Rapid Response
Crowd spikes at entrances like the red carpet caused temporary breakdowns in movement and access.
Takeaway: Use repositionable barriers and mobile crowd control units; integrate real-time crowd flow tracking into operations.
Cybersecurity and Physical Security Integration is Crucial
Cyber alerts didn’t reach physical teams in time—resulting in uncoordinated responses to potential threats.
Key Insight: Cyber-physical integration ensures comprehensive event security.
Takeaway: Merge cyber and physical threat protocols with shared dashboards and joint incident workflows.
Strategic Implications for Future Events
Cannes 2025 reminded us that event security is no longer just physical. It’s intelligence-driven, tech-reliant, and integrative.
At The North Group, we translate these insights into actionable strategies to protect high-profile events with precision.
How The North Group Can Help
Ready to secure your next event with confidence?
Email: gsoc@tngdefense.com
Phone: (844) 750-9222
Website: tngdefense.com
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