Concern about the safety of senior company pioneers has surged, with nearly half (46%) of U.S.-based chief security officers (CSOs) reporting that the threat of violence toward executives has increased in the last two years. The threat increases to 49% for publicly traded companies and soars to 66% for technology companies.
More companies in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors than any other are providing senior pioneers with executive protection, both at 40% (33% U.S. average). as well as providing executives’ families with protection.
Misinformation and disinformation
Technology companies were most affected, according to 89%, followed by energy businesses
This escalating risk is underscored by global institutional investors, with 97% deeming it important for companies to invest in security for their executives and nearly seven in 10 (68%), saying that the contributions of senior executives represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in.
Misinformation and disinformation are pervasive and can put senior executives at greater risk. Three-quarters (75%) of U.S. CSOs say their companies were targeted by a mis/disinformation campaign last year. Technology companies were most affected, according to 89%, followed by energy businesses, according to 88% of CSOs.
Customers’ concern for the safety
Steve Jones, Allied Universal global chairman and CEO, said, "In a world of increasing polarisation, and when mistruths and untruths can be shared instantaneously, companies and their senior pioneers face heightened risks. As a CEO, this impacts me personally and professionally."
He adds, "Now more than ever, personal safety is on my mind and the minds of my loved ones. Professionally, I’ve seen an increase in our customers’ concern for the safety of their employees."
Financial impact of security incidents
More than a quarter of U.S. CSOs (27%) reported revenue losses following an incident last year
The report finds that the financial impact of security incidents is substantial. More than a quarter of U.S. CSOs (27%) reported revenue losses following an incident last year, with the average company globally losing at least $9 million.
In total, the companies surveyed globally lost close to $1 trillion in revenue due to physical security incidents.
Investors say a physical security incident could impact the value of a publicly traded company on average up to 32%, up 3% compared to 2023. These are key findings from the 2025 World Security Report commissioned by Allied Universal, the world’s pioneering security and facility services provider.
Total annual revenue
The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers, working for medium and large global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25 trillion. With the U.S. being the largest security market in the world, 620 U.S.-based security chiefs from 10 sectors participated.
The report also incorporates the perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets.
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