Executive Protection in Cybersecurity (EP) is a holistic security discipline protecting high-profile individuals (executives, VIPs) from digital threats like phishing, impersonation, data theft, and online harassment, complementing traditional physical security by securing their online identity, personal devices, home networks, and sensitive data to prevent cyberattacks that could harm them and the company.
It uses threat intelligence, digital monitoring, and proactive defense to reduce the executive's digital attack surface, covering everything from social media monitoring to securing personal IoT devices.
Key Components
Threat Intelligence & Monitoring: Uses open-source (OSINT), deep, and dark web monitoring to find threats, leaked data, and potential scams targeting the executive.
Digital Risk Protection: Detects and stops phishing, brand impersonation, identity theft, and fraudulent accounts.
Privacy & PII Removal: Reduces the executive's digital footprint by removing personal information from data broker sites and the internet.
Personal Device & Network Security: Hardens personal devices (phones, laptops) and home networks against malware, IoT vulnerabilities, and intrusions.
AI & Deepfake Defense: Protects against AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media used for fraud or reputational damage.
Physical-Digital Integration: Links cyber threats to physical risks, like doxxing leading to stalking, and informs physical security plans.
What It Addresses
Account Takeovers (ATO) & Credential Stuffing.
Targeted Spear-Phishing & Business Email Compromise (BEC).
Doxxing, Stalking, & Harassment.
Brand & Identity Impersonation (fake social profiles, emails).
Reputational Damage from online incidents.
How it Differs from Standard Security
Holistic & Proactive: Moves beyond reactive IT security to anticipate and neutralize threats to the individual, acting like a "digital bodyguard".
Focus on Personal Sphere: Protects the executive's personal digital life (devices, home, social media) which often serves as an entry point to corporate assets.
Beyond the Perimeter: Secures the executive and their family outside the company's traditional network defenses.