Top 5 Actions for Personal Security (Inside and Outside of Work)

The tragic shooting of the United Healthcare CEO has highlighted why personal security—both inside and outside of work—should be a top priority. Here’s a list of essential actions you can take to enhance your personal safety:

1. Strengthen Workplace Security Protocols
   • Know Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with workplace evacuation plans, emergency exits, and safety protocols.
   • Secure Work Environment: Ensure your office has basic security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, access control, and emergency response teams. If applicable, consider using security badges and visitor logs.
   • Stay Alert to Suspicious Behavior: If you notice unusual behavior, report it immediately. Trust your instincts and always err on the side of caution.
2. Enhance 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 target home networks where vulnerabilities could give them access to monitor or control home security systems, camera systems, AV systems, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices which includes all smart home appliances. BlackCloak provides home network monitoring for our clients, informing them of any vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
3. Adopt a Personal Safety Plan (Outside of Work)
   • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Whether commuting, at the store, or at a social event, remain aware of your environment. Avoid distractions (such as phone use) that could reduce your situational awareness.
   • Vary Your Routine: Try not to take the same route to work every day, or at the same time. Predictability can make you an easier target.
   • Check-in with a Trusted Contact: If you are working late, traveling, or feel uneasy about a situation, share your plans and location with someone you trust. 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.
4. Use Personal Security Tools & Devices
   • Self-Defense Training: Consider taking a self-defense class or using basic tactics to help protect yourself if you're ever in a dangerous situation.
   • Carry Personal Safety Devices: Items such as a pepper spray canister, personal alarm, or tactical flashlight can provide protection, or help you alert others if you're in danger.
   • Smartphone Safety Apps: Use apps that send automatic alerts or provide tracking to loved ones in case of emergency. Many apps can also notify authorities in distress situations.
   • Backup Power Sources: Carry a reliable backup power source (e.g., portable chargers, power banks) to ensure your devices remain operational.
5. Establish Clear Boundaries and Communication
   • Set Boundaries with Colleagues and Clients: Be clear about your personal space and boundaries at work. If you feel uncomfortable with a situation or individual, speak up and report it to HR or security personnel.
   • Secure Personal Information: Limit the amount of personal information shared with colleagues or external parties, especially if you're in a position of leadership or high visibility.
   • Communicate Proactively in High-Risk Situations: If you believe you're at risk due to a situation at work (e.g., threats from a disgruntled employee or client), communicate your concerns to security, HR, or law enforcement as soon as possible.

Bonus Recommendations for Executives or High-Profile Individuals

• Use Executive & Digital Protection Services: If you're an executive or in a high-risk profession, consider hiring professional security and cybersecurity teams for protection both at work and when traveling.
• Limit Public Appearances: Be mindful of the visibility of your movements, and ensure that media outlets or public events do not compromise your safety.

By implementing these steps and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk and enhance your personal security, both inside and outside of work.