Threats against executives surge as companies grapple with global instability

Back then, the world was in a period of increased economic and geopolitical volatility following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war entering its second year, says the report.

“Fast forward two years and the world is still grappling with an increasingly polarized global environment, cohesion feels more elusive, trust in authorities continues to erode, and significant economic pressures persist. Politics remains divisive and in unprecedented flux,” say Steve Jones, Global Chairman and CEO, and Ashley Almanza, Executive Chairman, of Allied Universal in the report.

The 2025 World Security Report is based on a survey of 2,352 CSOs across 31 countries and 200 institutional investors.

Executives face rising violence, digital threats

The report highlights that economic instability remains a leading concern, with 44% of CSOs identifying it as the top security risk for the coming year.

Misinformation and disinformation campaigns are cited as a significant factor, with 73% of CSOs reporting their organizations have been targeted by such campaigns in the past year, says the report.