AI in executive protection: A game changer for digital identity

Given rapid development in IT industry, it's essential to recognise that today, AI has undeniably become a game changer in executive protection.

- Kanishk Gaur

TODAY THE rise of emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing, IOT, and artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries, be it banking, financial services, retail, oil & gas, chemical or nuclear sector. Hence, safeguarding top executives of these organisations from physical, and cyber-physical threats, which may start from the cyber world, requires real-time executive protection in an era where influence, disinformation, and misinformation are a reality.

AI is also being used for cyber attacks, which include voice cloning, deepfake creation, digital impersonation, and targeted attacks on high-profile individuals. The Hong Kong-based Deep Fake Zoom call to impersonate the CFO of a large multinational organisation and scam its employees of 25 million USD is a key indicator that threat actors will use AI for cyber attacks targeting key executives. This is either by impersonating them or social engineering their colleagues via deepfake voice cloning or social media-based impersonation. It is also important to realise that AI can emerge as a critical tool in safeguarding digital identities and physical security.

The challenges of protecting executive digital identities

Executives are often the primary targets of cybercriminals due to their access to sensitive corporate information and influence over business decisions. Common threats include Spear Phishing attacks and tailored emails designed to steal credentials or deploy malware. Social engineering has also increased, and it involves manipulative tactics that exploit personal or corporate information.