Depending on the industry and type of organization, C-Suite personnel can face unique risks, ranging from opportunistic crime to targeted threats, such as cyber-attacks or kidnap-for-ransom, especially when traveling for business. These individuals can be even more susceptible to varied security threats; and as such, proactive security measures are paramount to keeping this traveler demographic safe and supported. With these risk factors in mind, On Call’s Security Team weighs in on how C-Suite individuals can successfully reduce their travel risk exposure.
Pre-Travel Considerations
Before any high-profile individual embarks on a trip, it is crucial to pre-emptively assess potential risks. Organizations can identify vulnerabilities specific to the travel destination by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment with their travelers. If your organization does not work with a firm like On Call who can perform these assessments for you, some key factors to consider include:
-
-
Understanding the unique risk profile and tolerance of the respective travelers and assess how these align in conjunction to the local health, security, and political environments.
-
Acquiring credible advice for avoiding high-risk areas for meetings or lodging.
-
Ensuring accommodations are properly vetted and appropriate for personnel needs.
-
Developing an emergency response plan, including designated safe zones, applicable resources, and contact points.
-
Making digital and physical copies of essential documents, like passports, and ID’s – in the event they are lost or stolen.
-
Considering additional insurance coverage for unexpected events that can impact C-suite personnel: including kidnap & ransom, extortion, and detentions.
-
Scheduling secure transportation arrangements and providing vetted accommodations/providers.
-
In-Transit Security Measures
Traveling itself presents an array of security challenges for C-Suite travelers. Effective in-transit security measures for these individuals include:
-
-
Avoiding solo travel whenever possible.
-
Ensuring situational awareness by staying alert to surroundings.
-
Safeguarding personal belongings to avoid theft or tampering. For valuables, we recommend discreet solutions such as money belts or secure inside pockets.
-
Limiting sharing of travel plans/itineraries and sensitive information to only need to know contacts.
-
Having digital and physical copies of essential documents, like passports, and ID’s – in the event they are lost or stolen.
-
Establishing and utilizing communication windows to ensure team members are updated and any changes to plans are known.
-
Using only pre-vetted transportation services to reduce the risk of incidents.
-
Post-Travel Security Measures
Evaluating the journey allows for refining future strategies and ensuring continued enhanced security for future trips. Key steps to take post-travel include:
-
-
Reviewing travel-related expenses for suspicious activity.
-
Safely disposing of travel documents to protect personal information.
-
Changing any passwords that could have been exposed during the trip.
-
Conducting debriefs with executive protection detail or security team members to assess overall trip success as well as potential enhancements.
-
Want to Learn More?
On Call’s Security Team can provide your C-Suite travelers with enhanced protection, assistance and peace of mind. From pre-trip destination assessments, high-risk destination planning, to executive protection detail services, visit www.oncallinternational.com or contact us today to learn more.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 25 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
