The Rising Cost of Safety: How CEOs are Navigating a World of Online Threats
In an era where online anger and dissatisfaction are increasingly directed at businesses, keeping executives safe is a growing concern. The recent fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone in New York City has brought this issue into sharp focus.
The shooting highlighted the diverse approaches companies take to protect their leaders, with some CEOs surrounded by constant security details while others navigate public appearances with little or no protection.
Meta, for example, spent $24.4 million last year on security for executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who faces a unique level of scrutiny given the company’s prominence and
controversies. Zuckerberg “is synonymous with Meta and, as a result, negative sentiment regarding our company is directly associated with, and often transferred to, Mr.
Zuckerberg,” Meta explained earlier this year in a regulatory filing.
The range of threats facing CEOs varies widely – from online harassment and stalking to real-world violence. Apple CEO
Tim Cook, for example, was targeted by a stalker who sent harassing emails and even showed up at his home.
While Cook is regularly accompanied by security personnel at public events, the company’s annual spending on executive protection is a fraction of what some tech giants spend.
A growing concern is the increase in threats fueled by online platforms. “We are better today at collecting signals,” says Fred
Burton, a former special agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service now with Ontic, a provider of threat
management software for companies.
“I’m not sure we’re any better at making sense of the signals we collect.”
Following Thompson’’s death, Burton reported fields dozens of calls from organizations asking for guidance on whether
they were doing enough to protect their leaders.
These incidents force companies to reevaluate security protocols. Public events pose
a heightened risk, especially for CEOs. Many companies opt for more stringent security measures, like airport-style
checkpoints at shareholder meetings. Others, like Amazon, conduct shareholder meetings virtually
to eliminate the risk
altogether.
“There are always threats directed towards senior leaders at companies. Many of them are not credible,” says
David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations at the National
Retail Federation.
Knowing the difference between a genuine threat and online venting poses
Don’t Just Decline
The reality is that of the grossly popular nobody is bothered about shareholders. Remember, according to a curious leader, approximately 25% of exactly 500 companies known to offer protection for their CEOs and other
higher-ups. Formally, the median payment to protect the leaders has doubled more than tripled in
the past three years to
around $98,000.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The
detailed level of risk mitigations differs we based on multiple factors. Industry, company size, the public
profile of the CEO and the overall threat environment play a role.
“It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and
take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” says
Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services,
which specializes in security. A significant threat occurs when it alerts to know your convivial CEO.
Example someone a company entreats an individual to stay by their leadership. With cemeteries of recruitment prioritize accessibility with their clientele, however staff, a activates silent fear.
Several organizations atomic threat intelligence partners use sophisticated digital tools
How has the recent tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson impacted executive security practices?
## The Rising Cost of Safety: Interview with Fred Burton
**Interviewer:** Fred, thank you for joining us today to discuss this critical issue. The recent tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has really shone a light on the escalating threats facing corporate leaders. Can you shed some light on what businesses are grappling with right now?
**Fred Burton:** Absolutely. The world has changed. CEOs are no longer just captains of industry; they’re often public figures, targets of online vitriol, and unfortunately, sometimes even physical violence. The recent shooting of Mr. Thompson is a stark reminder of this reality.
**Interviewer:** We know security measures vary widely amongst companies. Some, like Meta, spend millions on executive protection, while others take a more minimalist approach. What factors influence these decisions?
**Fred Burton:** It’s a complex equation. Companies consider the profile of their CEO, the nature of their business, past incidents, even the current social climate. A tech CEO like Mark Zuckerberg, who’s constantly in the public eye and faces immense scrutiny, likely requires a higher level of security than, say, the CEO of a regional manufacturing company.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned online platforms fueling threats. How significant is that factor, and how are companies responding?
**Fred Burton:** It’s huge. Online platforms amplify anger and dissatisfaction, and also provide a breeding ground for harassment and stalking. We are better at collecting data about these threats, but as I said before, we need to improve at understanding and analyzing them effectively.
**Interviewer:** Since Mr. Thompson’s death, have you seen an increase in companies seeking your services?
**Fred Burton:** Absolutely. My company, Ontic, has been inundated with calls from organizations concerned about their own security protocols. This tragedy is a wake-up call for many.
**Interviewer:** So, what advice would you give to CEOs and boards concerned about their safety in today’s climate?
**Fred Burton:** Firstly, a comprehensive threat assessment is crucial. Identify vulnerabilities, understand the specific risks, and tailor security measures accordingly.
Secondly, invest in technology that helps monitor online threats and analyze potential risks.
And don’t neglect situational awareness. CEOs need to be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in public settings.
**Interviewer:** Fred Burton, thank you for your insights. It’s a complex issue, but one that demands our attention.
