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Vigipirate (French: Plan Vigipirate) is France's national security alert system. Created in 1978 by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, it has since been updated three times: in 1995 (following a terror bombing campaign), 2000 and 2004
Until 2014 the system defined four levels of threats represented by five colors: white, yellow, orange, red, scarlet. The levels called for specific security measures, including increased police or police/military mixed patrols in subways, train stations and other vulnerable locations.
In February 2014 the levels were simplified to 'vigilance' and 'attack alert'.
The name "Vigipirate" is an acronym of vigilance et protection des installations contre les risques d'attentats terroriste à l'explosif ("vigilance and protection of installations against the risk of terrorist bombings")