Five Reasons Why Every Board Member Should Be Part of a Digital Executive Protection Program

Protecting against cyberattacks is becoming increasingly important, and board members are not exempt from this reality. To ensure the safety of both them and the organizations they serve, it is vital that board members prioritize personal cybersecurity measures and consider enrolling in digital executive protection programs.

Here are five reasons why every board member should be part of a digital executive protection program in 2023:

1. Protect against doxxing. Board members are often in the public eye, and their personal information is readily available across various data brokers, making them highly vulnerable to doxxing attacks. These attacks can be used to intimidate or harass board members, or even their families. Digital executive protection programs can provide board members with online exposure protection, monitoring, and removal of their personal details from data brokers, safeguarding them from any doxxing attempts.

2. Defend against hacking. Board members are high-value targets for hackers, given their access to sensitive information. This information can be used to blackmail board members, steal intellectual property, or even cause harm to the organizations board members serve. Moreover, typical enterprise cybersecurity controls often do not protect board members, leaving them highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Digital executive protection programs can provide board members with advanced personal cybersecurity solutions that protect against hacking and ensure the security of their personal devices and accounts.

3. Prevent impersonation. Board members face the growing threat of impersonation, which can lead to identity theft, reputational damage, and financial loss. Impersonation attempts can be used by hackers or scammers to gain access to sensitive information or deceive others into believing they are the board member. Digital executive protection programs can provide board members with ongoing monitoring and remediation that identify and remove any impersonation attempts.

4. Shield against identity theft. Board members are highly susceptible to identity theft, which can result in devastating consequences for both them and the organizations they serve. Identity theft can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.

Digital executive protection programs can provide board members with comprehensive identity theft protection services, including credit monitoring, alert systems, fraud resolution services, and insurance coverage in case of a breach. By enrolling in such a program, board members can proactively protect themselves from the growing threat of identity theft.

5. Avoid being the topic of a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Companies are required to disclose any material risk factors that could impact their operations or financial performance, including risks related to executive safety and cybersecurity. Incidents such as a hacked personal email account may need to be reported if there is a fear that any corporate information may have been compromised. Enrolling in a digital executive protection program can help board members avoid such incidents and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In conclusion, board members play a crucial role in the success and stability of an organization. Given their responsibilities, it is essential that they prioritize personal cybersecurity measures and consider enrolling in digital executive protection programs. These programs can provide board members with advanced cybersecurity measures, training, and knowledge to prevent cyberattacks and protect their personal information. By taking personal responsibility for their cybersecurity, board members can protect themselves, their families, and the organizations they serve.

Zack Ganot is the CEO of Sunday Security, which provides advanced personal cybersecurity to executives. Previously, he ran Pandora Security, a boutique cybersecurity firm that protected high-profile and high-net-worth individuals from cyberattacks.

Sunday Security is an NACD partner, providing directors with critical and timely information, and perspectives. Sunday Security is a financial supporter of the NACD.