CEO Security Is on the Rise. What Does It Take to Keep Company Leaders Safe?
In December 2024, the fatal shooting of former UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson sent shockwaves through the corporate world. This high-profile incident underscored a disturbing trend: CEOs and executives are facing unprecedented threats to their safety and security.
Today, executive security has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. The rise in both physical and cyber threats has forced companies to rethink their protection strategies. From targeted attacks to sophisticated cyber breaches, the risks are more diverse—and dangerous—than ever before.
Why Executive Security Is Now a Corporate Priority
The threats facing executives are no longer limited to the boardroom or corporate offices. Homes, families, and even personal data have become targets. This shift has pushed companies to adopt a multi-layered approach to security, blending traditional measures with cutting-edge technology.
One key driver of this change is the increasing sophistication of physical threats. Ideologically motivated individuals, often using social media and the dark web, are targeting executives with alarming precision. Traditional security measures, such as gated communities or bodyguards, are no longer sufficient without digital vigilance.
Another factor is the rise of copycat crimes. After high-profile incidents like the Thompson shooting, there is often a surge in threats from individuals seeking notoriety or revenge. This phenomenon has made it harder for companies to predict and mitigate risks.
Cybersecurity Risks: A Growing Threat to Executives
Cyberattacks have become a major concern for executives. Sophisticated threats like AI-driven social engineering, ransomware, and doxing are exposing private information that can be used to compromise physical safety. For example, hackers may leak an executive’s home address or travel plans, putting them and their families at risk.
Executives are also vulnerable to phishing attacks, where attackers impersonate colleagues or business partners to gain access to sensitive data. These breaches can have far-reaching consequences, from financial loss to personal endangerment.
Families in the Crosshairs
Threats are no longer confined to executives themselves. Families have become frequent targets, with attackers seeking to exploit personal relationships for leverage. This has prompted companies like Meta to extend security measures to executives’ spouses and children.
As a result, corporate security strategies now include measures to protect family members, such as providing secure transportation, monitoring online activity, and offering crisis response plans. The days when executive security was seen as a personal concern are over; it is now a shared responsibility between individuals and organizations.
These developments highlight a stark reality: the safety of company leaders is no longer just a personal issue but a critical component of corporate risk management. As threats continue to evolve, so too must the strategies to counter them.
How Companies Are Strengthening Executive Protection
As threats against executives escalate, companies are implementing a range of measures to enhance security protocols. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that executive protection is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s high-risk environment.
Reducing Public Exposure
One strategy companies are adopting is minimizing executives’ public profiles. Corporations like CVS Pharmacy and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have removed executive photographs and biographies from their websites. This reduction in publicly available information makes it harder for potential attackers to identify and target executives.
Tighter Travel Security Protocols
Travel security has also been overhauled. Executives are now encouraged to use corporate aircraft for both business and personal travel, rather than relying on commercial flights. This shift allows companies to maintain greater control over travel arrangements, reducing the risk of unauthorized individuals tracking executives’ movements.
Fortifying Home Security
Home security has become a critical focus area. Companies are recommending the installation of advanced surveillance systems and real-time monitoring at executives’ primary and secondary residences. These measures recognize that threats are no longer confined to the workplace, with homes often being more vulnerable to attack.
Investing in Threat Intelligence
Threat intelligence has emerged as a key tool in predicting and mitigating risks. Companies are leveraging sophisticated platforms to monitor both the open web and the dark web for early signs of potential threats. By identifying risks before they materialize, security teams can take proactive steps to protect executives.
Financial Investment in Executive Security
Executive security is now a significant line item in corporate budgets. A 2025 review of S&P 500 companies revealed a 28% increase in the number of firms providing security benefits to executives between 2023 and 2024. The median spending on security perquisites rose by 118.9%, from $43,068 in 2021 to $94,276 in 2024.
An Equilar study of S&P 500 companies highlights this trend, noting that security perquisites are increasingly being included in executive compensation packages. This shift reflects the growing recognition of security as a critical component of corporate risk management.
Board-Level Oversight of Executive Security
Boards of directors are taking a more active role in overseeing executive security, recognizing the significant operational and reputational risks associated with a security breach. A incident involving a top executive could disrupt business operations, damage public trust, and result in financial losses. As a result, ensuring the safety of company leaders has become a key responsibility of corporate governance.
This evolving approach to executive security underscores the need for a multi-layered strategy that incorporates both traditional and modern security measures. As threats continue to evolve, companies must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their leaders.
Conclusion
The safety and security of corporate leaders have evolved from a personal concern to a critical component of corporate risk management. As threats continue to escalate, companies are adopting multi-layered strategies that blend traditional security measures with cutting-edge technology. From reducing public exposure to investing in threat intelligence, organizations are recognizing that executive security is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The integration of cybersecurity, physical protection, and family safety measures underscores the comprehensive approach needed to safeguard executives in today’s high-risk environment. As threats evolve, so too must the strategies to counter them, ensuring that corporate leaders remain protected and empowered to lead effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are CEOs and executives facing more threats today?
Executives are facing increased threats due to rising sophistication in both physical and cyber attacks. Ideologically motivated individuals, copycat crimes, and cyberattacks targeting personal data have made executives vulnerable. The shift in threats from boardrooms to homes and families has further heightened risks.
What steps are companies taking to protect executives?
Companies are implementing measures such as reducing public exposure, tightening travel security, fortifying home security, investing in threat intelligence, and increasing financial investment in security protocols. Additionally, boards of directors are taking a more active role in overseeing executive security.
How are cyber threats impacting executive security?
Cyberattacks, including AI-driven social engineering, ransomware, and doxing, are exposing executives’ personal information, such as home addresses and travel plans, which can be used to compromise physical safety. Phishing attacks are also a significant risk, targeting executives to gain access to sensitive data.
Are families of executives also at risk?
Yes, families of executives have become frequent targets. Attackers exploit personal relationships for leverage, prompting companies to extend security measures to spouses and children. These measures include secure transportation, online activity monitoring, and crisis response plans.
How are companies financially investing in executive security?
Companies are significantly increasing their spending on executive security. Between 2021 and 2024, the median spending on security perquisites rose by 118.9%, from $43,068 to $94,276. Security benefits are now being included in executive compensation packages, reflecting its critical role in corporate risk management.