72% Of US Execs Have Faced At Least One Cyberattack, Report Finds

Cybersecurity

Recent studies indicate that executives face elevated risks of cybercrime compared to other employees. According to a study by GetApp, 72% of US executives have been targeted by cybercriminals at least once. Furthermore, 69% of employees in companies where attacks against executives occurred reported that these incidents have increased over time.

Dark Web Threats

Cybersecurity experts highlight the dark web as a hub for activities targeting corporate leaders. Vakaris Noreika, a cybersecurity expert at NordStellar, notes that executives are prime targets due to the value of their credentials and personally identifiable information. This information can be exploited for unauthorized access to resources or for social engineering attacks.

Data appearing on the dark web is challenging to remove, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to prevent infiltration and contain threats. Companies must be prepared to respond swiftly if executive data is compromised.

Physical Security Concerns

Physical security teams are increasingly focused on online threats. Ron Zayas, CEO of Ironwall by Incogni, notes that companies are concerned about executives being named in dark web posts. Leaks containing location details can increase the risk of physical assaults, prompting security teams to monitor such threats closely.

There is a growing interest in executive protection, with companies seeking ways to proactively monitor the dark web to preempt potential threats.

Main Cyber Threats

Targeted cyberattacks are a significant threat to executives. Hackers may use stolen credentials to infiltrate networks or engage in phishing campaigns. Other tactics include business email compromise attacks and deepfake technology to impersonate executives, potentially leading to financial theft or data breaches.

To mitigate these risks, companies are advised to implement strict access controls, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation. Physical security protocols should also be established to protect executives outside the office. A comprehensive response plan should address containment, incident reporting, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Additionally, executives should receive cybersecurity training to enhance their awareness and reduce the risk of exposure.