KTLA 5: New Year's resolutions for your cybersecurity to stay safe online!
Rich DeMuro talks with cybersecurity expert Chris Pierson of BlackCloak to learn some simple ways to protect your online identity in 2025.
PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL LIFE™
Chief Executive: After UnitedHealthcare Shooting, Assessing The Risks To CEOs
When the CEO of United Health Group’s insurance arm was shot dead on a Manhattan street Wednesday morning, the victim of what police believe to be a targeted assassination, it set off alarm bells throughout the CEO community nationwide—if they hadn’t been going off already.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the chest and leg outside of the Hilton Hotel on 6th Avenue ahead of a scheduled appearance and UHC’s annual investor conference and died soon after. According to the police, the shooter fled the scene on a bicycle. A manhunt is underway throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
And while the motive for the killing remains uncertain, police said they believe Thompson was deliberately targeted. Appearing at a press conference on Wednesday, New York’s Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the murder “does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News that her husband had been the target of threats in the past.
Read the rest of the article here: https://chiefexecutive.net/after-unitedhealthcare-shooting-assessing-the-risks-to-ceos/
The Hill: Health insurers step up security, scrub websites of leadership information
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is spurring other major health companies to remove the photos of executives from their websites, close buildings and even switch to a virtual investor day rather than an in-person public event.
Amid rising security concerns, companies have removed previously public information from their websites.
Read the full article here: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5027508-unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-insurer-security/
USA Today: Health insurance CEO shooting unleashes Internet vitriol aimed at industry
The brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed social media scorn at his company and a U.S. health insurance industry that serves as gatekeeper to the nation’s $4.5 trillion health care system.
Trying to file an insurance claim at UnitedHealthcare, among the nation’s largest insurance companies, is a “humiliating and godawful slog,” one commenter wrote. “Guessing this (shooter) might be a disgruntled policy holder.”
Another poster complained, “CEOs are making money hand over fist- by DENYING care. I feel terrible for his family, but can’t say I’m surprised.”
Although social media is often filled with hatred and “good riddances” after a high-profile murder, and there have been instances of violence against people involved in health care before, the reaction this time felt different, experts said.
Read the full article here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/06/united-healthcare-ceo-killed-highlights-frustration-workers/76798694007/
Newsweek: Could Luigi Mangione Reaction Spark Copycat Shootings?
The shooting of Brian Thompson sparked two very separate reactions around his killer: a manhunt and admiration from certain parts of the internet, with the latter creating concern among security experts that this killing might inspire copy-cat events.
When a person is gunned down in broad daylight, people do not usually have praise ready for the gunman, but the killing of the CEO of a health insurance company elicited less sympathy and more memes from certain members of the general public, including at least 90,000 people reacting to a tribute post to Thompson on Facebook with “laughing” emojis.
This reaction led security professionals to tell Newsweek that the current environment is dangerous for CEOs and C-suite members.
Thompson was fatally shot by as he walked alone to his company’s annual investor conference in Manhattan at the New York Hilton Midtown at 6:44 a.m. on December 4. While his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, is in custody, the jokes and the praise have not stopped, with people online making up fake alibis for him, saying the police should “free him,” and even review-bombing the McDonald’s where he was apprehended by police as a show of support.
Read the full article here: https://www.newsweek.com/copycat-murders-brian-thompson-luigi-mangione-1998582
CNBC: Executives seek more protection after killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Thompson, says risk management firm Kroll
Following the tragic and targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, there has been a significant increase in demand for executive protection services. Matthew Dumpert, managing director at Kroll Enterprise Security Risk Management, noted that numerous CEOs and board members have sought enhanced security measures in response to the incident.
Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, highlighted the unprecedented nature of Thompson’s killing, emphasizing its profound impact on the victim’s family, company, and friends. Pierson also pointed out that this event could lead to changes in how security firms assess risks for executives at public events and other high-profile engagements.
The incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive security protocols for corporate leaders, especially in light of increasing threats within the healthcare industry and beyond.
Read the full article here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/05/ceo-protection-unitedhealthcare-new-york-shooting.html
Dark Reading: CISA Issues Guidance to Telecom Sector on Salt Typhoon Threat
In response to the escalating intrusions by China-backed Salt Typhoon into US telecom networks, CISA, NSA, and the FBI have issued vital guidance for the industry. This comprehensive advice aims to enhance detection, visibility, and protection against these sophisticated cyber threats.
🛡️ Key Highlights:
- Rising Cyber Espionage: Victims include major telecom providers like Verizon and AT&T.
- Critical Security Recommendations: Emphasis on improving detection, reducing vulnerabilities, and hardening network gear.
- Personal Privacy Measures: Strong advice for using encrypted messaging apps and implementing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication.
Chris Pierson, CEO and founder of BlackCloak, underscores the importance of this guidance for prioritizing controls and protection strategies. His advice extends to consumers and executives, highlighting the use of secure messaging, SIM PINs, and dual-factor authentication to protect against Salt Typhoon’s tactics.
Stay informed and take proactive steps to secure your communications and digital footprint.
Read the full article: [Link to Article]
NewsNation: Discussion of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson shooting
NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas reports on head of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson. She interviewed Dr. Chris Pierson to get his take on the situation.
Watch here:
Axios: Corporate leaders likely to boost security after United Healthcare exec gunned down
In light of the tragic and targeted attack on UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, it’s clear that the need for robust security measures for corporate leaders has never been more critical. This incident has sent shockwaves through the business community, highlighting the vulnerabilities even lesser-known executives face.
Highlights from the Article:
- Rising Threats: The attack on Thompson underscores the increasing risks faced by corporate leaders, regardless of their public profile.
- Security Gaps: Many companies still do not provide personal security for their executives, leaving them exposed to potential threats.
- Industry Response: Security firms are already seeing a surge in requests for executive protection services following this incident.
What This Means for Leaders of Big Organizations:
- Enhanced Security Protocols: It’s imperative to reassess and bolster security measures for all executives, not just high-profile ones.
- Proactive Protection: Implementing comprehensive security plans, including personal and home protection, is essential to mitigate risks.
- Awareness and Preparedness: Leaders must be aware of the threats they face and take proactive steps to ensure their safety and that of their families.
Read the full article to understand the implications and take action now: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-security