UPDATE: The latest 2025 Digital Executive Protection Report from the Ponemon Institute reveals a concerning rise in cyber threats targeting business executives, with incidents soaring from 43% in 2023 to 51% in 2025. This urgent report highlights the escalating danger executives face, particularly from deepfake impersonation attacks, which have surged from 34% to 41% over the same period.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: As cybercriminals exploit the growing digital footprints of executives, the threat landscape is rapidly changing, posing serious risks to both individuals and their companies. Executives’ personal devices and insecure home networks are now primary entry points for attackers, making this an urgent issue that demands immediate attention.
The Ponemon survey, which included nearly 600 security professionals across the United States, indicates a troubling trend. A significant 28% of respondents reported being impersonated by trusted entities, while 21% received urgent messages demanding immediate payments or information regarding security breaches. Alarmingly, 42% of executives have been targeted an average of three times by deepfakes, and 66% believe it’s highly likely they will face such attacks in the future.
Deepfakes, which are AI-generated images or videos, have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible. This shift is largely driven by the availability of advanced AI tools that allow cybercriminals to create convincing impersonations with minimal effort. The Ponemon report underscores that half of the surveyed organizations lack the visibility necessary to detect such tactics, leaving executives vulnerable.
Experts urge organizations to adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Key recommendations include implementing robust email security protocols, establishing strong multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuously monitoring personal devices and home networks for threats. Additionally, educating executives and their families on online safety is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
In the aftermath of a deepfake attack, swift action is essential. Organizations must prioritize data broker removal, initiate credit freezes, and secure compromised accounts to mitigate losses effectively. The stakes are high, as the financial toll of deepfakes is often unmeasured, but the cost of responding to such attacks is significant.
As this threat continues to rise, organizations must recognize the importance of Digital Executive Protection. It is no longer enough to secure just the corporate perimeter; protecting leaders and their families across all aspects of their connected lives is critical to reducing corporate risk.
The Ponemon report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. With executives now prime targets for deepfakes, the call for organizations to act decisively has never been more pronounced. This evolving threat landscape demands immediate and comprehensive strategies to safeguard against increasingly sophisticated cyber and physical attacks.
Stay informed, stay secure, and take action now to protect your organization and its leaders from the rising tide of deepfake attacks.