VIP Executive Protection Online: What is It All About?

9 February 2022

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What is Online VIP Executive Security?

Online VIP Executive Security is required to protect CEOs, executives, dignitaries, celebrities, and higher-ups, who are more prone to cyber-attacks because of their status and wealth.

Why is Executive Security Important?

Employee account hijacking can cause substantial financial losses for businesses. Top executives, significant shareholders, and staff with authorized access, on the other hand, are all highly susceptible. The hackers may use innovative tactics to get access to profitable and have a monetary purpose.

Although company security teams can protect organizational email accounts, CEOs’ profiles are not company management. If a data leak compromises an exec’s password, their unsecured accounts could give access points for a motivated hacker to access an organization’s data.

The realm of the internet is growing more intimate. Because of the convenience of gathering sensitive data via online tools like “cookies.” Organizations are now much better at identifying the demands of CEOs and tailoring their offerings to their preferences.

Unfortunately, this strategy has a downside: hostile hackers are focused on executives and utilizing them to gain access to corporate networks and data. Leaders not only benefit from VIP treatment, but they also have more access to critical data. However, they regularly travel – depending on public Wi-Fi and cellphones – which are vulnerable to influential persons who supply access and have fewer strict security constraints than colleagues.

Organizations may maintain track of the company’s credentials to reduce the risk of a data breach and keep hackers out of company accounts.

It is important to note that:

C-suite execs were 12 times more susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Financial incentives impacted 71 percent of C-suite cyber threats.
40% of businesses consider C-suite execs to be the most dangerous cyber-threat.

5 Common Cyber Security Threats for Executives

MITM

Malicious hackers are growing more sophisticated over time, using a more comprehensive range of attack vectors to access unsuspecting mobile devices. The MITIM (man-in-the-middle) attack, in which a hacker captures data over an unprotected network without the smartphone user’s consent, is among the most feared assaults involving unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspots. A scammer’s dream scenario is a MITM attack on a high-ranking executive. Although their target is ignorant, they can get exposure to some of the most sensitive personal information, particularly related to enterprise data).

SIM Swap

A SIM hacker persuades your cellphone carrier to move your cell number to another SIM card. Malicious actors can easily access your most private credentials by performing SMS-based 2FA checks by forwarding those new messages. They could use mobile numbers to create unique passwords if you haven’t protected your accounts with 2FA. They could also access bank accounts, social media accounts, and any other online accounts linked to the mobile number, which most likely includes any internet account.

Social Engineering

The skill of deceiving individuals to divulge personal data is known as social engineering. The kinds of information such fraudsters seek can differ. Still, when you are targeted, they are likely trying for you to give them your login credentials, credit card or bank details, or access to your phone or computer. So, they can discreetly install malicious code that gives them access to your bank details and passwords along with control over your computer.

Malware

Malware is the umbrella term for various malicious software types such as spyware, viruses, and ransomware. Malware is a type of code created by cybercriminals with the intent of causing substantial harm to systems and data or gaining unauthorized access to the system.

Insider Attack

As it is characterized forensically, the insider attack is a typical occurrence in many organizations. It is a case in which an insider, i.e. contractor or employee, removes knowledge from the company for financial and personal or other advantages or intentionally harms the company.

How to Minimize Risk to Executive Security Online?

You can also use these standard protocols to protect your sensitive data:

Cyber Awareness Training for Employees

It is critical to have training. It should be suited to the many available jobs within a business, particularly for those in senior positions. Executives must be informed on the magnitude and type of cyber dangers they confront and the essential role in developing cyber security policies.

Implement Best Cyber Security Policies

Best cyber security policies and procedures are behavioural issues. Even though this looks to be a sensible safety measure, it could have unintended consequences for the company. Restricting access to public Wi-Fi might lead to a substantial drop in productivity when many mobile devices are connected to Wi-Fi. To be successful both inside and outside the organization, employees must remain connected. Irrespective of the security hazards, remote workers are compelled to seek out Wi-Fi connections. Even though their companies forbid them from using unprotected public Wi-Fi, most individuals do so. Changing how people get access and secure their data, on the other hand, can be difficult, mainly if it necessitates additional procedures. Employees must devote more effort and time to implementing cyber security measures. Creating VPNs to encrypt data threads, using password managers, and checking should be daily activities are best practices.

Engaging Executives in Cybersecurity Governance

Cyber awareness training, data governance, cybersecurity policy, security insurance, advice on minimizing risk, and being informed about new fraud schemes can all assist VIPs in decreasing their cyber risk. Executives must first become aware of the circumstance and receive recommendations for controlling their strategic profile before being resilient.