CEOs, executives, and high-profile leaders shape industries and economies, yet many, unfortunately, remain exposed to threats that bypass traditional executive security measures. While companies invest in foundational cybersecurity measures and physical security teams, today’s biggest dangers are often unseen. The recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel was a stark reminder of these risks. Security firms saw a surge in inquiries, yet executive protection isn’t just about bodyguards and armored cars anymore. Threats have evolved, and many organizations are unprepared for them.
Why CEOs Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
In an era where executives are more publicly accessible than ever, various backdoor threats are emerging that many companies haven’t fully accounted for. Two critical blind spots in corporate security today include vulnerabilities in mail security and the dark web.
Mail: The Overlooked Security Gap
“Companies secure their buildings and digital networks but leave mail largely unchecked,” said Alex Sappok, PhD, CEO of RaySecur. He elaborated that “while every employee undergoes security screening and every email is scanned for cyber threats, physical mail often arrives without any inspection.” Nearly 95% of mail threats are small enough to fit inside a curbside dropbox, making them difficult to detect.
“Even companies using X-ray are likely missing these threats because the technology isn’t effective for screening small items or detecting powders, Sappok said. “Last year, 60% of mail-based threats involved powders, including fentanyl-laced substances that can be lethal in minute quantities. The risk extends beyond the workplace. Attackers increasingly use mail to deliver tracking devices, mapping executives’ movements and exposing their homes and families. “These threats don’t just impact the CEO—they extend to their families as well,” Sappok warned.
The Dark Web: A Marketplace For CEO Targeting
Nick Oram, senior manager at Fortra, has tracked firsthand how executive data is exploited online. “Just days after the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination, I found that a full dox of another Fortune 500 CEO had been posted online, including home addresses, house layouts, and details about their spouse and children,” he said. Unlike cyberattacks aimed at financial theft, doxxing exposes personal information that can lead to real-world violence.
Discussions on the dark web often escalate into real-world actions, with users encouraging SWATTING—where attackers falsely report emergencies to send armed police squads to a target’s home. “Even more concerning, CEOs often have strong security, but their families do not,” Oram explained. He recalled finding a billionaire’s wife publicly sharing her daily running route, unknowingly making herself an easy target for potential attackers.
Why Traditional Measures Are No Longer Enough
With mail tracking devices mapping an executive’s routine and a leaked password potentially exposing their entire home network, the way organizations and individuals think about security must evolve. Hybrid threats are now the norm, and that’s before factoring in AI-driven deepfakes, which could make impersonation scams an even greater risk in the near future.
Oram has already seen cases where scammers cloned a person’s voice to stage a fake kidnapping ransom call. “The technology isn’t perfect yet, but it’s evolving rapidly, making high-profile executives and their families prime targets,” he said. Sappok emphasized that modern threats aren’t as apparent as high-profile terrorists or lone-wolf attackers but are far more insidious. “Tiny tracking devices, fentanyl-laced powders, and cyber vulnerabilities hidden within everyday objects are the real threats today,” he warned.
Training Executives And Families On Privacy Best Practices
Oversharing personal details on social media in the digital age can be a security risk. Many executives (and family members) unintentionally reveal sensitive information—such as travel plans, locations, or even their home addresses—through casual posts. “I’ve seen executives post boarding passes online without realizing someone could use that to access personal details,” Oram said. For example, restricting location-sharing on running apps and social platforms can significantly reduce exposure. Regular audits of an executive’s online presence are essential to identifying and removing security risks before nefarious individuals can exploit them.
Executive Security Is A Business And Personal Imperative
Whether leading a Fortune 500 company or a small startup, executives must proactively secure their physical and digital footprint. As technology evolves, the line between business and personal life becomes increasingly blurred. Leaders must be more deliberate about what they choose to share, as even small oversights can create major vulnerabilities.
Executive security isn’t just about stopping an attack—it’s about deterrence. “When bad actors see that a CEO has strong security measures in place, they are more likely to move on to an easier target,” Sappok said. In today’s world, anonymity is a relic of the past. While not every leader needs a multi-million-dollar security budget, every leader can benefit from a well-rounded protection plan and stronger privacy habits. The greater the peace of mind, the more effectively you can lead.