This paper proposes a method to identify the best defense measures to minimize the chances of a terrorist attack during a sports mega-event. This method identifies how to allocate defense resources to manage risk while considering multiple attack scenarios. The advantage of using this method is that the defense can understand the strategy of the attacker.
This method has been applied to real-world scenarios, such as planning for the 2016 Brazilian Olympic Games. The 2016 Olympic case study showed a non-linear relationship between deterrence and budget expenditure. It is possible that high levels of deterrence could be achieved with a small budget.
Sports-mega events remain an active target for terrorism and must be properly protected. This research develops guidelines for future counter-terrorism operations to not only protect the public, venues and athletes, but to reduce cost and increase defense efficiency.