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As one of the biggest international pop stars, Taylor Swift’s security needs are extensive. Not only is she high-profile and an attractive target for lone actors with bad blood and stalkers, but her concerts, which can attract crowds in the hundreds of thousands, are prime targets for terrorists. In fact, in August she was forced to cancel three concerts in Vienna due to a credible terrorist plot. Her team has to mastermind a comprehensive suite of security measures.
5 Major Aspects of Taylor Swift’s Security
In many ways, Swift’s security needs resemble that of world leaders. Even more so, if you factor in recognizability and fanaticism. Her security costs easily run millions of dollars per year. The experienced security veterans which her team is comprised of must anticipate all forms of conventional and non-conventional threats. The main aspects of her security package include:
1. Physical Security
Close physical protection is at the top of Swift’s security needs. Millions of people have attended her Eras Tour, which began in March 2023 and will end in December 2024, and the sheer amount of exposure makes her vulnerable to attacks. Of course, concert attendees are supposed to be fans, but her security team must ensure that no one with malicious intentions slips in, which includes screening not only for weapons, but also substances, and even simple ill intent.
Other security aspects include personal bodyguards whenever she is in a public space, especially in crowded, high-risk environments like concert venues. For example, after Swift canceled her Vienna shows, her mother (also manager) required extra security measures to ensure she would perform in London. These included a specialist unit of the Metropolitan police ordinarily reserved for the royal family and senior politicians.
On such tours, it is also notable that Taylor Swift must either contract or collaborate with local security. Due to the scale of her concerts and the unfamiliarity of international venues, it is necessary to work with local partners who are able to spot when something seems suspicious. They may look for entrances that have been tampered with, suspicious packages, a hidden camera, etc.
Physical security teams must also be aware of broader political tensions in their city. Today, security teams need a solid understanding of and, ideally, intelligence on potential protest disruptions, as a Taylor Swift concert will almost surely make it onto mainstream news channels around the world, providing would-be disruptors great publicity. It is imperative that security personnel are able to recognize symbols of various protest groups as well as recognize their preferred tactics in order to preempt them.
2. Concert Security
In the Eras Tour alone, Swift will have performed in nearly 150 venues, none of which are a blank space. each one needs to be swept, inspected, and secured against potential threats.
Additionally, security guards must be able to help with crowd control, making sure no one panics, stampedes, or attempts to rush the stage. They must be prepared to open emergency exits and direct people there in case of a crisis. Swift engages in some vigilante efforts herself, regularly directing emergency services to medical emergencies in the crowd.
Concert security is essentially an extension of physical security, though at this point, there is no one entering or exiting the venue. Security personnel must not only assist in crowd control but conduct regular sweeps of the crowd (a difficult task in a room of tens to hundreds of thousands of fans) for potentially threatening behavior. This is a continuous cycle that must be done throughout the event and as it is ending. Due to her high profile, Swift’s team can also reliably count on local law enforcement to pull out all the stops when it comes to cooperation and resources. No police department (or national security apparatus) wants to be embarrassed while Taylor Swift is on their watch.
3. Digital Security
Many physical attacks are preceded by online threats, which is why digital threat monitoring is important as part of Swift’s comprehensive security plan. Police and law enforcement authorities have digital crime departments, but do not have the capacity to monitor every celebrity’s mentions online. This is why private security is essential.
Private security can cover a multitude of potential online threats, including monitoring for physical threats, leaking of personal information, negative sentiments about the client, and even travel monitoring. It provides an early warning system that traditional security cannot always provide.
Private security can also provide cybersecurity and dark web monitoring, searching for fake news and AI-generated deep fakes that could be potentially harming to Swift’s reputation and fans. For example, in August 2024 Donald Trump claimed Taylor Swift had endorsed his candidacy, which was untrue. Digital security is responsible for calling out and taking down such fakes.
3. Privacy Protection
With over a billion followers across various social media platforms, Swift’s accounts are potential targets for hackers. Digital security teams keep these accounts secure through strict access controls and regular monitoring.
Location security is another aspect of privacy protection. Because Swift is so high-profile, her security team tries to keep her whereabouts secret (except, of course, during concerts). When a source revealed that Swift would be attending her boyfriend, Travis Kelce’s NFL game in September, her security team immediately criticized the leak, saying it created a potential security hazard. Since they were aware of it, though, they were able to bolster other security measures around her so she could shake it off.
As an A-list celebrity, it is often difficult to keep personal information private. However, many private security companies have special offerings which include taking such information off of the internet, restoring the peace of mind of clients.
4. Home Security
Swift owns eight homes across the US and UK, and they are all potential targets for unhinged fans, stalkers, criminals, lone actors, etc. Therefore, the most sophisticated technology must be used to secure her home, including perimeter cameras, security systems, and possibly even biometric systems to prevent unauthorized access. In some cases, Swift’s security team monitors nearby properties or routes for suspicious activity.
In situations such as these, it is important to have a professional team examine the property themselves. A penetration test, in which a private security company is hired to expose gaps in an individual or company’s security, is a useful tool to understand where improvements are needed.
5. Legal Security
Due to previous incidents with stalkers, trespassers, fake endorsements, and more, Swift’s team actively works with law enforcement, reporting incidents, filing restraining orders, suing for defamation, and engaging in other legal actions when necessary.
The End Game: Comprehensive, Collaborative Security Work
With so many security needs, Swift undoubtedly has many teams handling different aspects of her safety. However, each team must be aware of what the other is doing so they can work cogently together and ensure total protection.
Interfor routinely works on all aspects of the security components mentioned above. We offer social media monitoring & threat intelligence, enhanced due diligence, travel security and more in service of clients in Taylor Swift’s space, and many more. The aim of security providers must be to always operate in a constant state of vigilance so that their protectees can continue to go about their work and lives – or put on record-breaking mind-blowing concerts – without fear or distraction by concerns around safety.