How to Safeguard Executives Through Proactive Planning and Managing Online Presence

"In 2024 and 2025, a series of high-profile incidents, including the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, shed light on security vulnerabilities. This heightened risk environment prompted many organizations to take a closer look at their own security operations and make meaningful investments in physical protective measures for executives. These events were a harsh reminder that organizations, no matter the industry, are vulnerable to threats."

"Executives may be sharing far more information than they realize about themselves, as well as their whereabouts. For example, photos shared on social media could include sensitive information about a CEO's location. Company bios or articles about upcoming events may seem harmless, but these communications can place executives in danger by sharing key information about their habits, movements, or vulnerabilities."

"Proactive executive protection (EP) is essential today. Using an intelligence-led approach that evaluates risk early, builds layered defenses, and delivers protection in a way that allows leaders to continue doing their jobs is key. Organizations can think about this work in three simple steps: assess, design and then deliver. Step 1: Assess Your True Risk The first step in effective EP means understanding whether a threat is a credible or if it is just noise."

High-profile incidents in 2024–2025, including the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, exposed security vulnerabilities and prompted organizations to strengthen physical protective measures for executives. Many organizations overlook how online exposure enables identification, tracking, and targeting; executives often share information and whereabouts through social-media photos, company bios, and event announcements. Proactive executive protection (EP) requires an intelligence-led approach that evaluates risk early, builds layered defenses, and enables leaders to continue their work. Organizations should assess whether threats are credible by examining access, opportunity, means, proximity, and evidence of planning or fixation, then design and deliver tailored protections.

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