Sharp rise in threat of violence to company executives, European security chiefs warn

• Landmark research on physical security gauged opinions of 2,352 security chiefs at medium and large, global companies with combined revenue exceeding $25 trillion

• 42% of security chiefs across Europe report a significant increase in threats of violence against company executives

• Seven in 10 European security chiefs say their companies have been targeted by a misinformation or disinformation campaign

• Increasing economic instability is the dominating security-impacting hazard over the next year, 41% of security chiefs say

• Seven in 10 global institutional investors say top executives' contributions represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in

Concern about the safety of chief executives and other senior leaders has risen sharply, as 42% of European corporate security chiefs at large, global companies say the threat of violence toward them has increased in the last two years.

This escalating risk is underscored by global institutional investors, with 97% deeming it important for companies to invest in security for their executives. Seven in 10 said that the contributions of senior executives to strategic decision-making, leadership and innovation represents 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in.

These are key findings from the World Security Report published today, commissioned by Allied Universal®, the world's leading security and facility services provider, and its international business, G4S.

The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) or those in equivalent roles, working for medium and large, global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25 trillion. 464 CSOs were surveyed in Europe*.The research also incorporates the perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets.

Misinformation and disinformation (incorrect or purposely false) is pervasive and can put senior executives at greater risk of harm. Seven in 10 CSOs (70%) in Europe say their companies were targeted by such a campaign last year. And 41% say mis/disinformation motivates at least half of threat actors targeting their businesses. Activist groups, who often deploy this, increasingly pose a physical security risk to facilities and executives, according to 73% of CSOs in Europe and 85% of global institutional investors.

"The ramifications of a security incident can be considerable and go beyond taking a short-term financial hit. Investors say the impact can be much more damaging and long-lasting, particularly when reputation and shareholder value is concerned. Given how high the stakes are, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that robust physical security is a corporate value driver and should be central to their corporate governance and risk management strategy," said Ashley Almanza, executive chairman of G4S, Allied Universal's international business.

Footnote:

* Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, France, Netherlands and United Kingdom.

ENDS

World Security Report 2025 - Europe further UK key findings:

Measures to mitigate the threat of violence to company executives

• 39% of security chiefs say they have enhanced their security procedures (i.e. enhanced background checks, on site firearms or explosives screening).(49% global average)
• 39% say they are carrying out risk assessments for leaders (i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management, Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures).(45% Global average)
• 36% are offering training and preparedness for leaders (i.e. self-defense, situational awareness, de-escalation tactics).(40% Global average).
• 34% are monitoring online threats (i.e. social media, deep web, dark web).(44% Global average)
• 31% are providing leaders with personal/close security personnel.(35% Global average)
• 31% are providing leaders with personal protective equipment (e.g., body armor, secure vehicles, emergency escape masks).(34% Global average)
• 21% are providing family protection for leaders.(25% Global average).
  

Security-impacting hazards

• 73% of CSOs in Europe say geopolitical tensions will compromise the security of their supply chains.(78% Global average)
• Economic instability is the dominating hazard over the next year, 41% say, up from 36% in 2024.
• 29% say climate change events (e.g. long-term shifts in weather patterns, extreme temperatures), up from 24% in 2024.
• 29% say disruption to energy supplies, up significantly from 19% in 2024.
• 28% say war or political instability, up from 22% in 2024.
  
  

External security threats

• Over the next year, external threats are expected to increase to the same level as internal threats, which were previously more significant.
• Fraud is expected to jump next year according to 29% of respondents, up from 20% who experienced this in 2024.
• Theft of company physical property is anticipated to rise to 24%, from 19% in 2024.

• Malicious damage to company property is expected to jump to 23%, from 15% in 2024.
  

  Internal security threats

• The top three internal security threats for the next year are leaking sensitive information (28%), fraud (24%) and theft of company physical property(24%).
• The top drivers of intentional insider threats include:
• 34% financial dissatisfaction (36% Global average).
• 33% financial stress or personal debt (37% Global average).
• 29% influenced by misinformation or external radicalization (39% Global average).
• 29% disengagement or dissatisfaction with work (33% Global average).
• 29% revenge against employer or management (30% Global average).
  

  
  Budgets

• Physical security budgets will increase in the next 12 months, 58% of security chiefs say (66% Global average).
• The top security budget priorities for the next 12 months are:
• 38% say Investment in new security technology and infrastructure (47% Global average)

• 36% say employee security training and upskilling (45% Global average)
• 36% say meeting compliance and regulatory security requirements (42% Global average)
• The top two cutting-edge technologies which CSO deem as crucial over the next two years are AI-powered video surveillance and analytics and AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security, both according to 36% of respondents.
  
  

  Priorities

• 79% of CSOs say company leaders are more concerned with cyber than physical security (80% Global average).
• 80% of CSOs say people (ie frontline security professionals or guards) will always be integral to keeping our organisation safe )87% Global average).
• 92% of investors say physical security should have a higher strategic priority within businesses.
• Fraud and leaking sensitive information are the top two internal security threats investors think are most important for companies to prepare for (59% and 45% respectively).
• Fraud is the top external security threat investors believe companies they invest in should prepare for (53%).

About the World Security Report 2025

The report is based on anonymous online survey responses of 2,352 chief security officers - or those in equivalent positions - at medium and large, global companies across 31 countries with combined annual revenue of more than $25 trillion. Research was carried out between March 21, 2025 and April 16, 2025. The selected group of 200 global institutional investors managing more than $1 trillion of assets, also took part in an anonymous online survey between April 8 and 14, 2025.

Download the press release in a PDF file here.