UnitedHealthcare CEO Attack – Focus on Security

In light of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing in New York City, the need to have an active plan to protect your corporation, and it’s human assets, could not be more emphasized.

Mr. Thompson left his hotel without a security detail, and not to put too fine a point on it, but such measures could have saved his life.  It is fairly common for top executives to have personal security, a contingency plan, and possibly, even security for their families.  Self defense involves more than just carrying a weapon, hiring guards, or even body armor, but knowing what, where, and when those protective measures are legal and necessary.

A well thought out plan is crucial to ensure you are doing all you can to protect yourself and your loved ones, and even your company.  CEOs and other important executives are assets of your company, and even insurance and other corporate policies need to be amended to be certain you are protected, and your company knows what to do, in the worst case scenario.

Corporate security firms are reporting an uptick in interest in their services, for good reason
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This was a very high profile case, and because of the sensitive nature of the healthcare industry, it is unconscionable that he was able to wander outside unprotected.  That being said, a quick review of articles, social media posts, and other news stories, should have had other execs at United being on high alert for the possibility of some sort of danger.  Ironically, CNN reported that Thompson did have a security detail with him, yet he still went out unescorted.  There is no finger pointing, but as you probably know, there is plenty of blame being bounced around.  This was a tragedy, and likely, one that could have been avoided.

“We’ve gotten to a point where healthcare is so inaccessible and unaffordable, people are justified in their frustrations,” Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, told CBS Mornings about the public voicing its frustrations.

Large corporations, like Meta, parent of Facebook and Instagram, says this year they’ve spent more on private security, in excess of $24 million, filings culled by research firm Equilar show.

Now is the time to review your security issues, and find the most reasonable way to protect your executives and loved ones.  Employees should not be overlooked, and meetings and briefing emails should go out to everyone to ensure they know that you care, and take their security seriously.

Publicly available information, such as Social Media and web articles should be monitored, cleaned of any personal details, family names, and locations, and policies put in place to lock down leaks of private information.

“I think we share too much. I don’t need to know where you live and that you’re married and have three wonderful kids,” Sarnese said. “We don’t need to advertise to the public where the president and CEO are sitting.”

Security industry veteran Brittney Blair of K2 Integrity said that online threat monitoring is as essential as physical protection.

More companies are becoming more active in tracking cyber threats, including monitoring the web, including the dark web.

Contact Blue Lotus for a free evaluation of your security plan, and get expert advice on how to protect your most valuable asset, your life, and the lives of those you care about.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Attack – Focus on Security

By Chuck Palm, CIO
Blue Lotus Corp

 December 11, 2024 / 5:47 PM EST /