The New Era of Risk to Executives: What Corporate Teams Must Know Now
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Violence rarely ends with a single act. It ripples—and in today’s increasingly online world, those ripples can quickly become waves.
After the December assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Rozin intelligence analysts tracked a disturbing surge of online support for the attacker. Fringe platforms like “luigiwasright” praised the killer’s anti-corporate stance, and mainstream outlets such as The New Yorker echoed the sentiment, framing him as an unfortunate symbol of rebellion.
More alarmingly, luigiwasright also published personal information for senior leaders at over 1,000 companies—a stark reminder of the scale of exposure facing today’s executives. Rozin’s recent analyst report flagged this as a critical vulnerability, underscoring the growing risk to high-profile individuals.
This event has not only fueled online communities but also transformed a violent act into a dangerous movement—one that others may seek to copy.
Here’s what we’ve learned—and why executive protection must now be treated as essential, not optional.
The landscape has evolved… to be more dangerous.
Since our initial report following the December incident, online discourse has grown increasingly hostile and emboldened. Digital spaces, where attackers often first signal their intent, have become echo chambers for anger, despair, and glorification of violence. In this case, Mangione has become a symbol of rebellion, touted as a figure of resistance against corporate power and the rising costs of healthcare.
Rozin analysts detected early signs of this shift—empathy and even support for Mangione—emerging on fringe forums and through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) channels well before mainstream coverage. But with today’s relentless stream of online chatter, identifying what actually warrants concern can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
That’s where tools like CTAP-25 come in. This structured professional judgement tool provides security teams with a consistent, low-lift method to assess threatening communications, with minimal context or training. Now available through the TIPS platform, Rozin clients can quickly identify which threats require immediate attention.
Ignoring executive risk is no longer an option
Executive risk is no longer hypothetical, it’s escalating. The assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO has triggered a disturbing wave of online sympathy for the attacker, signaling a broader shift in sentiment and the likelihood that others may follow in his footsteps.
While not every organization needs a full-scale executive protection team, ignoring this evolving threat landscape is no longer an option. Reacting to headlines with temporary security measures won’t create lasting protection. Instead, companies must take a proactive, strategic approach that considers:
- The executive’s personal risk profile
- Level of public visibility and media presence
- Travel frequency and routine predictability
- Exposure of personal or company-related information online
Today’s leaders face unprecedented levels of personal exposure, especially in digital spaces where threat actors gather information with ease. A comprehensive risk assessment is essential to uncover what’s already public, identify exploitable gaps, and guide the protective actions needed to reduce risk.
This assessment is the foundation for a resilient, modern executive protection program—one built for today’s threats, not yesterday’s assumptions.
Executive protection is recognized as a business-critical expense.
As executive risk continues to rise, it’s now recognized at the federal level as a legitimate business concern. Under U.S. Code Title 26 § 132, the IRS allows certain security measures to be classified as working condition fringe benefits—if they are deemed necessary for the safety of executives, board members, or other key personnel.
To qualify, an Independent Security Study (ISS) must be performed by a third party to verify the presence of legitimate, business-related security concerns. They require clear evidence that the services provided are for business-related threats and not primarily for personal benefit.
These assessments serve a dual purpose:
- They provide a clear picture of your company’s risk environment and security posture
- They can help justify and offset the cost of executive protection programs
At Rozin Security, we deliver tailored ISS services designed around your organization’s unique risk profile. Our analyst team—many with backgrounds in homeland security, military, and elite intelligence agencies—provides ongoing analytical support and delivers timely threat intelligence briefings to help executives proactively assess risk to current and emerging threats.
In addition, our experts also work closely with your team to:
- Evaluate existing security policies, protocols, and infrastructure
- Recommend physical, technological, and operational enhancements
- Prioritize actions based on potential impact and risk reduction
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor before making any decisions regarding fringe benefit treatment or reimbursement.
Final Thoughts
The threat landscape has shifted—and so must your response. High-profile executives are no longer just business leaders; they are symbols, targets, and potential flashpoints. Proactive risk assessments, strategic protection measures, and tools like CTAP-25 help cut through the noise and prioritize real threats.
Independent Security Studies not only help identify real risk but also support compliance with IRS §132, enabling organizations to justify executive protection as a necessary, business-related expense. With the right assessments and tools in place, companies can protect their leaders—and their bottom line.
To learn more about how your organization can minimize risk with executive protection, contact Rozin Security to speak with one of our senior consultants.
