Threats against company leaders are rising sharply around the world, raising concerns among top security officials. This increase comes amid ongoing economic struggles, political divides, and the spread of false information online.
A new report from Allied Universal reveals that 42% of chief security officers globally have noticed more violent threats aimed at their organization’s top executives. The problem is even worse in the U.S. tech industry, where about two-thirds of security chiefs say threats have surged since a similar survey in 2023.
The world has been unsettled since the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Experts say the environment remains tense, with growing political polarization and low trust in authorities. Economic problems continue to add pressure on businesses and their leaders.
Misinformation and disinformation are playing a big role in this. Nearly three-quarters of security officers say their companies faced false or misleading campaigns online during the past year. These fast-moving, false stories can fuel anger and even lead to real-world violence.
Security measures for executives have increased drastically, especially after the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson last year. According to Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal, the number of executives receiving protection has doubled. In fact, the company conducted five times as many security assessments in the first half of 2025 as in any previous year.
Fraud is also a growing worry, with almost one-third of security leaders seeing it as a top threat—up from 25% in 2023. To combat the risks, many organizations are stepping up their efforts by adding more protection, performing risk checks, and monitoring threats online.
Investors are paying close attention too. Nearly all surveyed said companies should protect their senior leaders physically. They see leadership as a key part of a company’s value, with some saying it accounts for at least 30% of it. When security incidents happen, the financial damage can be big: over a quarter of companies lost revenue after such events in 2024, and a serious incident could cut a company’s value by nearly a third.
Inside the company, threats from employees are also a major concern. Leaking sensitive data and unauthorized access are the top risks. Financial stress, such as debt or dissatisfaction, is often a factor driving these inside threats.
Overall, the consequences can be severe. The report estimates companies lose about $9 million on average after a security breach. This new data shows businesses are facing tough challenges in keeping their leaders and their organizations safe in an unsettled world.