When world leaders, C-suite executives, and other high-profile figures converge for summits, board meetings, or publicized speaking engagements, the stakes for security are extraordinarily high. Events like the G20, G7, United Nations General Assembly, and major corporate board meetings draw global attention, and with it, a complex stream of threats that corporate security leaders and practitioners must anticipate and mitigate.
Gatherings of influential individuals are prime targets for a range of bad actors, from ideologically motivated extremists to sophisticated cybercriminals. What’s more is that the current reality of political polarization and global instability only amplifies these risks.
As seen in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report, it highlights that the ensuing risks are becoming more complex and urgent, accentuating a paradigm shift in the world order characterized by greater instability, polarizing narratives, eroding trust, and insecurity.
In such a divided climate, high-profile leaders are increasingly viewed as symbolic targets by those seeking to make a political statement or disrupt the status quo. This heightened animosity not only raises the likelihood of direct threats and harassment, but also complicates the task of identifying and mitigating potential risks before they escalate.
With adversaries doing much of their crowdsourcing, planning and data collection on fringe parts of the internet and social forum echochambers, they exist and rely on a sense of anonymity. This anonymity emboldens individuals and groups to coordinate disruptive activities with reduced fear of identification or legal consequences. As a result, threats can quickly move from online rhetoric to real-world action, often with little warning for security teams.
At the 2025 G7 in Alberta, security teams faced “multi-domain disruption” threats, including cyber-kinetic attacks, environmental hazards, and insider risks. Cyber-kinetic convergence attacks are a common and escalating threat, with attackers targeting both digital and physical systems, often exploiting coordination gaps between public and private security teams.
Another case of fringe anonymity imploding in real life is the recent example of the 2023 case of Craig Robertson, a Utah man who made violent threats against President Joe Biden and other high-profile officials.
Robertson used fringe social media platforms, reportedly including Truth Social, to post explicit threats and detailed plans, referencing specific locations and even sharing photos of firearms. His online activity was discovered through the use of Open Source Intelligence tools designed to monitor for threatening language from 1000s of sources across the web and social platforms. Robertson’s online hate narrative escalated to a real-world threat when the FBI attempted to arrest him ahead of President Biden’s visit to Utah, resulting in a fatal confrontation.
The Robertson case, in particular, demonstrates the vital importance of leveraging open-source intelligence tools and social media monitoring to identify potential threats before they escalate into real-world violence.
High-profile individuals should regularly conduct personalized risk assessments in partnership with executive protection professionals. This process involves identifying unique vulnerabilities, such as travel patterns, public exposure, and digital footprints that could be exploited by bad actors. These personalized risk assessments help to implement targeted security measures and adapt routines to minimize exposure.
Employing skilled close protection officers (CPOs) is essential for public appearances and high-risk engagements. These professionals provide a visible and effective physical barrier, deterring potential threats through their presence and readiness. Additionally, CPOs are trained to respond rapidly to emergencies, ensuring that any incident is managed swiftly and discreetly to protect both the individual and those around them.
Protecting personal and family information is critical in an era of rampant doxxing and impersonation attempts. High-profile individuals should work with security teams to monitor for unauthorized disclosures of sensitive data across the web and social media platforms. Most importantly, limiting the amount of personal information shared online and maintaining strict privacy settings will significantly reduce the risk of targeted attacks.
Maintaining strong cyber hygiene is a foundational element of personal security for high-profile figures. This includes using unique, complex passwords for all accounts, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating security settings. Avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks at events and while traveling further reduces the risk of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Effective security for high-profile events with high-profile individuals in attendance begins months in advance with threat intelligence and monitoring. Utilizing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) platforms, security teams can proactively scan a wide array of online sources, including fringe forums, social media channels, and news sites for individuals or groups expressing harmful intent toward the event, the principal, or any associated high-profile attendees. Early identification of concerning language, threat narratives, or coordinated planning allows security professionals to assess credibility, track escalation, and collaborate with law enforcement or internal stakeholders to mitigate risks before they materialize. The information gathered from OSINT investigation could even go as far as deterring attendance from those in risk, change of event date, or change of location that will not be publicly disclosed.
Before any high-profile event, security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments that include detailed site inspections and threat modeling. This process involves identifying potential vulnerabilities in both the physical environment and event logistics, as well as anticipating a range of threat scenarios. Pre-work surrounding assessments influence the tailored response strategies and ensure all stakeholders are prepared for various contingencies.
Implementing a multi-layered access control system is essential for protecting sensitive areas and managing large crowds. This can include the use of biometric verification, RFID-enabled passes, and strict credential checks at all entry points to prevent unauthorized access. Regular audits and updates to access protocols further strengthen overall security and help deter insider threats.
Deploying advanced surveillance technologies, such as AI-powered cameras and real-time crowd monitoring systems, enables security teams to detect and respond to threats quickly. Centralized security operations centers can aggregate data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of the event environment. This allows for rapid identification of suspicious behavior and immediate intervention when necessary.
Preparing for emergencies demands regular, realistic drills that involve all relevant personnel. These exercises should cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and potential security breaches, ensuring everyone knows their role in a crisis. Coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services further enhances readiness and can significantly reduce response times during an actual incident.
Insider threats remain a significant risk, especially during high-profile events with many temporary staff and vendors. Security teams should rigorously vet all personnel, limit access to sensitive areas on a need-to-know basis, and enforce strict confidentiality agreements. Ongoing training and awareness programs also help build a culture of vigilance and accountability among all event staff, permanent or otherwise.
The convergence of world leaders and high-profile executives is not just a logistical challenge, it’s a crucible for modern security strategy. The digital age has dissolved the boundaries between online rhetoric and real-world action, making it imperative for both individuals and organizations to think beyond traditional perimeters. As recent events have shown, threats can be seeded in the darkest corners of the internet months before they ever materialize at the doors of a summit or boardroom. The most effective security teams are those who take advantage of threat intelligence early, integrate physical and cyber defenses, and demand a culture of vigilance that extends from the C-suite to every staff member on the ground.
Ultimately, the safety of high-profile gatherings hinges not just on technology or protocols, but on anticipation, adaptability, and collaboration. The use of proactive threat monitoring, rigorous planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement can transform risk into steadfastness.