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“Executive Risk: When Leadership Becomes the Target”

December 01, 2025

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Executives Are Phished With Personalized Precision

Attackers study public bios, earnings calls, and interviews to craft believable lures. Messages reference real meetings, vendors, or partners. VIPs are tricked because attacks mirror their actual world.

Executive Assistants Are the Soft Underbelly

Assistants often have access to calendars, documents, and emails. Attackers compromise them to reach the executive indirectly. Security awareness rarely extends to support staff.

CEO Fraud Bypasses Controls Through Urgency and Authority

Fake emails or calls from the CEO push finance teams to wire money quickly. The pressure to act overrides verification protocols. Social engineering outpaces policy every time.

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Executives Use Personal Devices That Evade Enterprise Controls

BYOD is common at the top level — but rarely enrolled in MDM. Personal phones, tablets, and email accounts hold sensitive info. These devices operate outside visibility and logging.

Boards Use Unsecured Communication Channels

M&A discussions, security incidents, and strategic plans are shared via WhatsApp, Gmail, or text. These conversations are unencrypted and exposed. Legal privilege doesn’t protect against interception.

Public Exposure Increases Attack Surface

Speaking at conferences, press appearances, and active social media create signal for attackers. The more visible the exec, the richer the pretext. Public-facing leaders require private-grade defense.

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