Winter Olympics 2026: high-tech security takes center stage before athletes even hit the slopes

MILAN: As the 2026 Winter Olympics gear up for their official opening in Milan this Friday, much of the world’s attention is on the athletes and medal prospects. But behind the scenes, a different race is already underway, a technological and logistical sprint to secure the Games.

From drones to cyber command centers, the Milan-Cortina Olympics are redefining what it means to protect a global sporting event, an article by New York Times said on Tuesday.

Italian authorities have assembled one of the most sophisticated security operations in the country’s history, blending traditional policing with cutting-edge tech. More than 6,000 officers will patrol venues ranging from Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium to the alpine slopes of Cortina and Livigno, supported by surveillance drones and inspection robots capable of probing areas unsafe for humans. A dedicated 24-hour cybersecurity command center will monitor networks critical to the Games, including ticketing systems, transport infrastructure, and broadcast feeds.

“Security at the Olympics is like an invisible race,” said Francesco Rinaldi, a senior officer with Italy’s Olympic security task force. “Our aim is not to be seen, but to ensure every performance, every medal, and every celebration happens without disruption.”

The emphasis on high-tech safeguards comes with historical context. Cyberattacks and sabotage have disrupted past Games, most notably at Pyeongchang in 2018, where a digital assault temporarily took down internet access, grounded drones, and created empty seats at the opening ceremony. In Milan, officials are particularly mindful of state-sponsored threats, given the continued restrictions on Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag.

In a twist that has drawn both attention and protest, the U.S. will also have a small Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit stationed in Milan. While their role is strictly advisory and intelligence-based—focusing on threat analysis rather than enforcement—local officials and activists have voiced concerns, leading to the renaming of the U.S. “Ice House” hospitality venue to “Winter House” to avoid controversy.

Security experts see the dual challenge clearly: balancing international cooperation with public perception. “Large-scale events are always targets,” said Daniel Byman, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Terrorism Program. “The complexity of today’s threats; cyber, physical, and geopolitical, requires a level of planning that rivals the competition itself.”

The opening ceremony, scheduled for 2 PM Eastern Friday, represents the highest-stakes moment for these efforts. With over a thousand performers and dignitaries from around the world, even a minor incident could overshadow weeks of preparation. Yet Italian officials remain confident that their multi-layered approach – from robots and drones to real-time intelligence – will let the Games proceed safely and spectacularly.

For athletes and fans alike, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise breathtaking competition and historic performances. But for those tasked with security, the true medal is operational perfection—ensuring the world can focus on the thrill of sport rather than the fear of disruption. In Milan and Cortina, high-tech vigilance is competing alongside downhill skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey—just as fiercely, just as urgently.