Executives' high visibility can present unique safety challenges when individuals harbor grievances against the organization and focus their hostilities on its leadership, making executives vulnerable to stalking, harassment, and targeted attacks.
This visibility can present unique safety challenges when individuals harbor grievances against an organization
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A 2025 report by the Security Executive Council and Mercyhurst University examined 424 incidents targeting executives.
A report published in 2025 by the Security Executive Council and Mercyhurst University examined 424 incidents
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A 2025 Security Executive Council and Mercyhurst University report that examined 424 incidents found that physical and cyber incidents targeting executives have doubled since 2024, resulting in record numbers (endnote 14).
physical and cyber incidents targeting executives have doubled since 2024, resulting in record numbers
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Executives and high-ranking officials have experienced a gradual increase in threats of violence over the past decade, with sharper increases in recent years.
Executives and high-ranking officials have experienced a gradual increase in threats of violence over the past decade, with sharper increases in recent years.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The guidance in this publication is intended to help prevent targeted workplace violence from affecting all personnel, including executives.
The guidance in this publication is intended to help prevent targeted workplace violence from impacting all personnel, including executives.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Some organizations use additional strategies to protect high-ranking officials because of the unique characteristics of threats to executives.
some organizations use additional strategies to protect high-ranking officials
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Dedicated analysts routinely monitor digital platforms, including social media, to assess and respond to threats and harassment targeting executives.
Dedicated analysts routinely monitor digital platforms, including social media, to assess and respond to threats, harassment, or other concerning behaviors targeting executives.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Specially trained security teams can provide physical protection for executives at home, in the office, or during travel.
Specially trained security teams provide physical protection for executives while they are at home, in the office, or during travel.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Teams of analysts and security personnel gather intelligence and coordinate security and transportation logistics before an executive's trip and support during it.
Teams of analysts and security personnel gather reliable intelligence and coordinate security and transportation logistics before an executive takes a domestic or international trip
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Some organizations implement physical security enhancements at an executive's home to bolster protective efforts. (endnote 16)
Some organizations implement physical security enhancements at an executive's home to bolster protective efforts
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Because of the high visibility of their positions, executives and high-ranking officials can attract a lot of attention from the general public.
Due to the high visibility of their positions, executives and high-ranking officials can attract a lot of attention from the general public.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A 2026 security report found that 42% of more than 2,000 surveyed chief security officers reported that the threat of violence toward executives had increased within the previous two years. (endnote 15)
Sample (n = undeterminable of undeterminable) · chief security officers surveyed for a 2026 security report (over 2,000)
a 2026 security report found that 42% of over 2,000 chief security officers who were surveyed reported that the threat of violence toward executives had increased within the previous two years.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
During an executive's trip, the travel advance team provides real-time support.
During the trip, the team provides real-time support.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Physical security enhancements at an executive's home can include surveillance systems, alarms, access controls, and on-site security staff. (endnote 16)
These enhancements can include surveillance systems, alarms, access controls, and on-site security staff.
cite page 58 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
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