Enterprise Risk Management: Protecting Key Leaders from Personal Cyber and Physical Threats

Companies extensively plan and invest in the security, privacy, and continuity of technology, data, supply chains, and other critical business functions—but what about their key leaders?

The 2024 murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare and subsequent online hit lists, “Luigi was right” postings, and other threats to executives illustrate an unfortunate reality in today’s emotionally charged geopolitical environment: CEOs and board members of high-profile companies may be targets of online and in-person threats, intimidation, and even attacks. The personal impact on business leaders can have ripple effects on their organizations.

To avoid potential distraction and disruption, companies should assess their risks and implement appropriate protection strategies for key executives and directors as part of their business resilience and enterprise risk management planning.

This discussion is not about bodyguards and black swan events; it is about understanding the realities of today’s risk and responding appropriately. The panel will discuss and answer questions about how personal data is collected and shared online; threats from disinformation, artificial intelligence deepfakes, and doxing; key exposure points of high-profile individuals; and potential defensive measures. The focus will be on how board members can provide oversight of management in this area of potential risk for their company.

Panelists

Paul Connelly, NACD.DC: A board member and former chief security officer at a Fortune 100 company and the White House, Paul Connelly has developed programs for cyber and physical protection for key executives and board members at high-risk organizations.

Adam Jackson: As the co-founder and CEO of 360 Privacy, Adam Jackson brings extensive expertise in understanding threats and identifying appropriate defensive measures to protect key leaders and high-net-worth individuals.

Brian McGinnis: An attorney and partner at Barnes & Thornburg, Brian McGinnis brings the important legal element of individual cybersecurity and privacy, corporate communications, takedowns of personal data on the internet, and responding to smear campaigns, deepfakes, and other online threats.