Company executives in APAC are at greater risk of violence than anywhere in the world

• Landmark research on physical security gauged opinions of 2,352 security chiefs at medium and large, global companies with combined revenue exceeding $25 trillion
• 46% of security chiefs report a significant increase in threats of violence against company executives
• Nearly 80% of institutional investors say a major security incident could erode a publicly listed company's value by 20% or more
• 53% of security chiefs in APAC cited economic instability as the top security-impacting hazard for the coming year
• 84% of security chiefs in APAC believe geopolitical tensions will compromise the security of their supply chains over the next 12 months

The threat of violence towards company executives has increased in the last two years, nearly half of security chiefs (46%) from global companies based in the Asia Pacific (APAC) say - more than any other region in the world. Economic instability and geopolitical tensions are also key security challenges for the region.

These are key findings from the World Security Report commissioned by Allied Universal®, the world's leading security and facility services provider, and its international business, G4S.

The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) or those in equivalent roles, working for medium and large, global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25 trillion. The study also incorporates the perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets. 464 CSOs were surveyed in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Executive security important for institutional investors

Concern over the safety of company executives is echoed by global institutional investors, with 97% considering it "important" for companies to invest in executive security. The report also notes that 79% of investors anticipate a publicly listed company's value could drop by 20% or more following a major security incident, with 68% believing the contributions from key executives represent 30% or more of a company's total value.

Economic instability is anticipated to be the top security-impacting hazard for the Asia Pacific, with 53% of CSOs expecting it to impact the region more than anywhere else globally (44% global average).

Geopolitical tensions

Geopolitical tensions are expected to compromise the security of supply chains over the next 12 months in APAC more than anywhere else in the world (84% versus 78% global average). Of the companies who experienced supply chain attacks in the last year, 77% say it is the external physical threat that most influenced an increase in their physical security budgets (60% global average).
Similarly, 83% of CSOs report that executives and corporate facilities in APAC are at greater risk from activist groups than anywhere else globally (77% global average).

Bolstering security resources

In response to these evolving threats, APAC security chiefs are leading the charge in adopting cutting-edge technology, with 54% expected to invest in AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security over the next two years, higher than any other region (44% global average). This is closely followed by AI-powered video surveillance and analytics (51%) and AI-driven threat detection and risk assessment (50%), with only Sub-Saharan Africa showing a greater intent to focus on these two technologies.

Regarding security budgets, more than six in 10 (66%) respondents across APAC expect their physical security budget to increase, aligning with the global average. Notably, nearly nine in 10 (86%) APAC security chiefs report that company leaders are more concerned with cybersecurity than physical security (80% global average).

Sanjay Verma, G4S President - Asia and Middle East, said:

"The Asia Pacific region continues to navigate a complex and dynamic macro environment driven by several key factors. Increased geopolitical tensions, ongoing economic shifts, and an acceleration in digital transformation are collectively reshaping the security landscape for businesses. The World Security Report indicates that economic instability is a pervasive concern across the region, with APAC leading global concerns on this front. This will translate into a heightened risk of financially motivated crimes and internal threats driven by financial pressures."

"A multi-faceted approach to overcome these challenges is essential. Firstly, adapting to the speed and sophistication of emerging threats, particularly those fueled by digital means. Investing in advanced security technology, particularly AI-powered solutions, is no longer optional but a necessity. Secondly, attracting, training, and retaining a skilled security workforce. This must be coupled with continuous investment in people - upskilling frontline security professionals to work seamlessly with these technologies, enhancing their analytical capabilities, and ensuring their well-being. And thirdly, fostering a positive security culture that extends beyond the security department to every employee."

Additional Key Findings:

Measures to mitigate the threat of violence to company executives:

• 52% of security chiefs in APAC have enhanced their security procedures i.e. enhanced background checks.
• 49% say they are monitoring online threats i.e. social media, deep web, dark web, etc.
• 47% say they are carrying out risk assessments for leaders i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management.
• 43% are offering training and preparedness for leaders i.e. self-defense
• 40% are providing leaders with personal/close security personnel.
• 37% are providing leaders with personal protective equipment e.g. body armor
• 29% are providing family protection for leaders.

Threats and hazards

• 83% say activist groups increasingly pose a physical security risk to corporate facilities and executives (77% global average).
• 37% say climate change is anticipated to be a security-impacting hazard next year (33% global average).
• 30% expect theft of company physical property to be the top external physical security threat in the next year (28% global average).
• 34% say the top expected internal threat next year is leaking sensitive information (32% global average).
• 46% say the biggest driver of intentional insider threats is the influence of misinformation or external radicalisation (39% global average).
• 39% assess that disengagement or dissatisfaction with work contributes to intentional inside threats (33% global average).

Misinformation and disinformation

• 76% of APAC-based companies have been targeted by a misinformation or disinformation campaign in the last year (higher than any other region apart from the Middle East).
• 48% say misinformation or disinformation motivates at least half of threat actors targeting businesses (41% global average).

World Security Report: Hong Kong findings

• 36% of security chiefs report an increase in the threat of violence towards company executives.

• The top three measures to mitigate the threat of violence towards company executives are:
  
  • 45% say they are monitoring online threats i.e. social media, dark web, etc.
  • 41% say they are carrying out risk assessments for leaders i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management
  • 40% have enhanced their security procedures i.e. enhanced background checks
• 81% expect geopolitical tensions to compromise supply chain security over the next 12 months.

• 41% say misuse of company resources or data is expected to be the top internal security threat next year, the third highest rate in the world (32% regional average and 27% global average).
• 31% say fraud is the top external security threat next year.
• 79% of those who experienced incidents of leaking sensitive information last year say it is the internal physical security incident most likely to lead to a budget increase.

World Security Report: Singapore findings

• 47% of security chiefs report an increase in the threat of violence towards company executives
• The top three measures to mitigate the threat of violence towards company executives are:
  
  • 45% say they are carrying out risk assessments for leaders i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management
  • 41% have enhanced their security procedures i.e. enhanced background checks
  • 40% say they are monitoring online threats i.e. social media, dark web, etc.
• 78% of businesses have been targeted by a mis/disinformation campaign in the last year.

About the 2025 World Security Report

The report is based on anonymous online survey responses of 2,352 chief security officers - or those in equivalent positions - at medium and large, global companies across 31 countries with combined annual revenue of more than $25 trillion. Research was carried out between March 21, 2025 and April 16, 2025. The selected group of 200 global institutional investors managing more than $1 trillion of assets, also took part in an anonymous online survey between April 8 and 14, 2025. To view the report, please visit: https://worldsecurityreport.com/

Download the press release in a PDF file here.

Footnotes:

Chief Security Officer (CSO): A senior executive responsible for an organisation's overall security, including physical security (assets, personnel, facilities) and cybersecurity (data, networks).

Institutional Investors: Large organisations that invest on behalf of their members or clients.

Economic Instability: A state of an economy that is subject to sudden changes and fluctuations, which can manifest as high inflation, deflation, financial crises, recessions, or unpredictable market conditions.

Internal Physical Security Incident: An event originating from within an organisation's premises or by an insider, leading to a breach of physical security, such as theft of property, unauthorised access, or sabotage.

Geopolitical Tension: Refers to the strained relationship between different countries or political groups, often involving political, economic, or military rivalries, which can impact international stability and business operations.

AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security: Systems that utilise artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse real-time video feeds and other sensor data to accurately detect and alert security personnel of unauthorised entry or intrusion into a secured perimeter.