Top 10 Personal Security Measures (Inside and Outside of Work, And When Traveling)

In light of the recent shooting of the United Healthcare CEO, it’s clear that high-profile individuals, especially those in leadership positions, need to take proactive measures to protect themselves, both in the workplace and when traveling. Below is a top 10 list of actions you can take to improve your personal security both inside and outside of work, with an emphasis on work-related travel security.

1. Implement a Comprehensive Security Plan
   • Develop a Security Protocol: Work with your employer to create a personal security plan that includes communication guidelines, emergency contacts, and escape routes, both for the workplace and when traveling.
   • Travel Safety Assessment: When traveling, always conduct a security risk assessment of your destination, including local crime rates, potential political unrest, and whether your company provides any security services for business trips.
2. Stay Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings
   • Always Be Vigilant: Whether you’re in the office, at a hotel, or in transit, stay aware of your environment. Avoid distractions such as excessive phone use or listening to headphones while walking in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
   • Know the Local Risks: Before traveling, research the security situation of the area. Know local emergency numbers, the location of the nearest embassy or consulate, and nearby hospitals or safe zones.
3. Enhance Your Personal Digital Security
   • Use Unique & Strong Passwords and Multifactor Authentication: Cyberattacks and doxxing attempts can pose serious security risks. Ensure your work accounts and personal devices are protected with complex passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA). Consider storing these passwords in a password vault, and use MFA methods such as an authentication app or a physical key rather than SMS text messages. Our BlackCloak team helps members on password management best practices, trains members on using password vaults and will help ensure accounts are properly protected with MFA (where available).
   • Update Your Devices and Download Antivirus Software: Device manufacturers continuously release security patches to address vulnerabilities cybercriminals may use to compromise devices and steal valuable information which could be used to track down individuals’ locations. Be sure to download these updates as soon as possible to prevent bad actors from exploiting these flaws. Additionally, install antivirus software onto your devices to prevent bad actors from installing their own malicious software and viruses, which could also be used to compromise your device. BlackCloak protects personal devices with proprietary and enterprise-grade protection software and monitors devices on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain secure.
   • Harden Your Accounts: Take the time to go through the privacy and security settings of all of your accounts to ensure they are locked down. This can prevent identifying information from getting into the wrong hands. The BlackCloak Concierge team will walk through these settings to ensure clients’ accounts are properly hardened.
   • Safeguarding your Social Media: Be mindful of what you share online, especially on social media. Limit revealing details about your whereabouts, daily schedule, personal routines or any information related to your family. Additionally, set your accounts to private to ensure the only people who can view your profile are those you personally approve. Our BlackCloak Concierge team will guide members on appropriate privacy and security settings to ensure data is not overshared.
   • Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Work Tasks: Using unsecured networks can expose you to cybercriminals. Always use a VPN when accessing sensitive work-related information outside the office. BlackCloak clients have access to a VPN, found within our mobile and desktop applications.
   • Data Broker Removal: Data broker websites often contain information bad actors could use to track you, such as your address and work history. Opt-out requests can remove these data points from these websites. As part of our services, BlackCloak conducts opt-out requests for our clients to ensure their information is not listed on data broker websites.
   • Dark Web Monitoring: Pieces of information are often captured in data breaches, which ultimately end up on the dark web. BlackCloak monitors the dark web for clients to let them know when some of this information resides on the dark web, allowing them to take the measures necessary to shore up their accounts and protect themselves.
   • Home Network Monitoring: Cybercriminals may attempt to find vulnerabilities within your home network. If they find one, they could compromise your home network and potentially see identifying information that may be used against you. By shoring up these vulnerabilities, you can cut these bad actors off from seeing any such data. BlackCloak provides home network monitoring for our clients, informing them of any vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
4. Prearrange Ground and Air Travel Security
   • Travel with a Security Team or Bodyguard: If you're a high-profile executive or in a position of high risk, consider traveling with a personal security team or bodyguard, particularly for international trips, or visits to volatile areas.
   • Use Secure Transport: Avoid using taxis or public transportation in unfamiliar areas. Use trusted, vetted transportation services and always ensure your driver is verified by a reputable service.
5. Avoid Sharing Travel Details Publicly
   • Limit Public Information: Do not disclose your travel schedule, hotel location, or any personal information on social media. Even casual posts can be exploited by malicious actors to track your whereabouts.
   • Coordinate Travel Privately: Share your travel itinerary only with trusted colleagues or family members, and keep details confidential to reduce the chance of someone intercepting your plans. BlackCloak members engage with our Concierge team when they are traveling so we can provide bespoke advice and guidance for their particular needs and situation.
6. Ensure Hotel Safety and Security
   • Choose Secure Accommodations: Select hotels with strong security features, such as 24-hour surveillance, on-site security, and access control. Opt for hotels that offer private transportation options and do not disclose guest information to the public.
   • Use Hotel Safes: Store valuable items, including passports, electronics, and sensitive documents in the hotel safe whenever possible.
   • VPN on Hotel Wi-Fi: Hackers and cybercriminals may exploit unsecured public networks to intercept your personal and work-related information, by using a VPN when you are connected to these networks it helps to ensure privacy and security when accessing the internet.
   • Data Blockers for USB Charging: Prevents unauthorized access to your devices through compromised USB charging ports, which can be used by attackers to steal data or install malware while you're charging your phone or laptop.
7. Know Emergency Procedures and Contacts
   • Understand Local Emergency Protocols: When traveling, always familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers (police, fire, medical) and evacuation procedures for both your hotel and workplace.
   • Have a Local Contact: Establish a trusted local contact, whether it’s a colleague, friend, or professional service, who can assist in case of emergency or if you encounter security risks during your trip.
8. Control Personal Access and Office Security
   • Restrict Access to Your Work Area: Ensure your office has access control systems, such as keycards or biometric security, to limit unauthorized entry to your workspace.
   • Use Security Badges: Wear your ID badge at all times to access office buildings. If there’s a threat, be sure to inform security or management immediately.
9. Maintain a Low Profile in Public
   • Be Discreet in Public Spaces: When traveling, especially for work, avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. This includes not engaging with crowds or showing off expensive items (e.g., jewelry, watches, electronics).
   • Keep a Low-Key Appearance: Wear inconspicuous clothing when traveling, avoiding business attire that could signal you're a high-profile target.
10. Have a Contingency Plan for Threats
    • Know Escape Routes: Whether you're at a hotel, office, or airport, always have an exit plan in case of an emergency, such as a shooting or violent incident. Familiarize yourself with nearby exits and be prepared to act quickly.
    • Use a Personal Safety App: Install apps that can alert emergency contacts or law enforcement in case of distress. Many apps allow you to send your GPS location with a single button press, giving loved ones or colleagues real-time information on your whereabouts.

Bonus Tips for Executives and High-Risk Individuals

• Consider Executive Protection and Digital Protection Services: For those in high-profile positions, it may be worth investing in executive protection and personal cybersecurity protection services to ensure personal security and privacy, especially when traveling to regions with higher risk.
• Establish a Communication Network: Set up a communication chain with trusted security personnel or assistants who can act immediately if you encounter any security issues.

By taking these proactive security measures, you can better protect yourself from potential threats both at work and when traveling for business. Security is about prevention and awareness—ensuring that you're always prepared for the unexpected.