The Executive Protection Boom

Welcome to On the Circuit, your trusted source for the latest in global security and protection.

This week, we look at the growing trend of targeted attacks on high-profile individuals and the corresponding surge in demand for executive protection.

Our top story explains how recent assassinations and security breaches are reshaping the executive protection landscape and how it affects our career decisions and training plans.

As the demand for our services increases, so do the expectations of our capabilities, expertise and professionalism. Staying ahead of the curve is no longer optional—it’s essential. Let’s get into it.

How a CEO’s Murder Is Driving Demand for Executive Protection

The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan has led major U.S. corporations to reevaluate their executive security measures.

Thompson was shot dead in broad daylight on a busy street. He was walking alone to a business meeting—no security, no bodyguards. One moment, he was a powerful executive overseeing a multibillion-dollar company. The next, he was a hapless victim.

His death has rattled corporate America. If a CEO of his prominence can be targeted so easily, how vulnerable are other high-profile figures?

The attack has forced major companies to look hard at their security strategies. Many already spend millions protecting their top executives—private jets, armored vehicles, personal security teams. But UnitedHealth wasn’t one of them. Unlike tech giants and financial firms, it hadn’t invested heavily in executive protection. That’s now under scrutiny.

Corporate leaders have always been targets. The Unabomber’s reign of terror. The kidnapping of Exxon executive Sidney Reso. But today, the threat landscape is different. Social media has made high-profile figures more accessible—and more vulnerable. CEOs don’t just run companies; they make headlines, shape policies, and sometimes become symbols of public outrage.

For some, their stance on controversial issues puts them at even greater risk. The growing hostility toward business leaders has security teams scrambling to rethink their protective strategies.

One thing is clear: the murder of Brian Thompson wasn’t just a crime. It was a wake-up call.

READER POLL

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How Russian Sabotage Threats Are Reshaping Domestic Security

U.S. intelligence officials have warned American defense companies to strengthen security following a surge in Russian sabotage operations across Europe. These incidents are part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing Western nations.

Recent Incidents include:

• Airline Sabotage: Fires on cargo planes in Germany and England, allegedly caused by Russian intelligence planting incendiary devices.

• Undersea Cable Attacks: Baltic Sea cables connecting Estonia and Finland were damaged, with a Chinese-flagged vessel linked to Russia suspected.

• Drone Surveillance: Military bases in Germany reported unauthorized drone activity, raising espionage concerns.

These incidents are a snapshot of how Russian tactics are evolving, blending cyber intrusions with physical sabotage. U.S. officials urge defense companies to enhance physical security, bolster cyber defenses, and implement employee awareness training to mitigate risks.

Royal Security Under Scrutiny — again.

A businessman with alleged ties to Chinese intelligence attended multiple private events at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle—asking serious questions about royal security.

Prince Andrew hosted the individual on several occasions, including for his birthday celebrations, before the man was banned from the UK under national security laws.

Authorities believe the businessman was connected to the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, an organization known for intelligence-gathering and influence operations. He also met with high-profile figures, including former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May and ex-Chancellor George Osborne.

MPs have called for an urgent investigation into how an alleged foreign agent was able to access some of Britain’s most secure locations. The incident is just another in a long line of espionage threats targeting high-profile individuals and government institutions.

Royal security remains under intense scrutiny, and it’s unlikely to ease anytime soon. Prince Andrew’s string of high-profile missteps has kept him in the spotlight, drawing critics and fueling speculation that more damaging revelations could surface before the dust settles.

The Regional Implications of the Gaza Ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire aimed at ending 15 months of war in Gaza, with the ultimate goal of Israeli withdrawal and self-governance for the territory. The truce has eased regional tensions, leading to an extension of Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah and a reduction in Houthi attacks. Egypt and Jordan, facing growing anti-Israel sentiment, welcomed the agreement, while Iran also signaled support, holding back on its previous threats against Israel.

Despite international relief, the ceasefire does not signal broader regional reconciliation. Saudi Arabia remains hesitant to normalize relations with Israel, prioritizing a long-term Palestinian solution. Meanwhile, Israel is expected to shift its focus to the West Bank, increasing military raids and expanding settlements, potentially triggering a Palestinian uprising and refugee flows into Jordan. Such a scenario could destabilize Jordan’s security, increasing Iranian influence in the region.

Although the ceasefire provides temporary relief, its long-term success remains uncertain. Israel’s far-right coalition may push for continued military presence in Gaza, and Hamas, though weakened, still holds influence. Any significant violation—such as renewed Israeli airstrikes or Hamas insurgency—could collapse the agreement, risking another full-scale war. If the ceasefire unravels, the risk of wider regional escalation involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis will resurface, alongside potential U.S. military involvement under a more hawkish Trump administration.

Key Takeaways:

• Regional De-escalation: The ceasefire has temporarily reduced hostilities, but tensions remain high, especially in the West Bank.

• Saudi-Israel Normalization Stalls: Riyadh continues to demand progress on Palestinian statehood before formalizing ties with Israel.

• Unstable Truce: Future violations could rapidly escalate into renewed conflict, drawing in Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional actors.

🇺🇸 Supreme Court Upholds Law Enabling TikTok Ban -The ruling forces ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban by Jan. 19

🇮🇱 Israel Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hamas -Truce, set for Jan. 19, includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

🇷🇺 Russia and Iran Sign Comprehensive Partnership Treaty -The deal covers trade, defense, and science as Iran faces renewed U.S. economic pressure.

🇭🇺 Orban Calls for End to EU Sanctions on Russia - He claims a Trump presidency could shift U.S.-Russia ties but is unlikely to veto the EU's upcoming sanctions extension.

Due Diligence on Your Current or Prospective Principal | Colin Tansley

You might have a good grasp of your principal's threat footprint but how much do you know about them as a current or prospective client?

This week we’re joined by Colin Tansley to discuss the importance of due diligence, where we ask:

• When do you need to call in legal or investigative help for due diligence?

• What are the worst case scenarios you might uncover?

• Is all of this information 'OSINT' and to what extent is it 'Open Source' if so?

• Who has access to which critical databases?

• How can you map business associates of your principal and how can you keep that information secure?

• What are the limits to required due diligence?

Q: After reading about epicentres in crowd dynamics, which aspect do you find most useful?

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ A. How nonverbal indicators reveal tension within a crowd. (23%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 B. Energy mapping and its role in detecting epicentres. (39%)

🟧⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ C. Practical techniques for de-escalation and resource allocation. (10%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ D. Potential for insights to apply beyond security, like event planning or crisis management. (28%)

Your Comments:

MP: "Energy mapping sounds good in theory, but in the real world, instincts will get you further."

DK: "Nonverbal tension cues should be trained into every detail. The ability to read the crowd could make all the difference."

BK: "De-escalation is overrated. The right show of force at the right time stops problems before they even begin."

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