VIPS are adding to their entourages: Personal cyber-guards are the new high-value bodyguards for the rich and famous.
As cyber attacks on high-profile individuals have grown, cyber-guards—people devoted to safeguarding a client's private data—have become de rigueur for personal and family safety. Security officials say stalking, theft, fraud and blackmail occur more frequently in the virtual world than in the physical one. That means high-net-worth individuals and those in the limelight need extra cyber protection: their own personal and private cyber-guards.
These cyber security professionals are on call 24/7 and regularly monitor clients’ online accounts for signs of hacking or improper use. They coach clients on phishing scams, help set up complex passwords and often set up encrypted email servers. Additionally, cyber guards scrutinize and monitor staff emails and online activity, so their jobs are all-encompassing, demanding, and put them at the top of the VIP power structure.
To be sure, cyber warfare is being played out on the political spectrum with powerful consequence. U.S. intelligence agencies are investigating Russian hacking that was allegedly aimed at influencing the presidential election.
Global celebrities are getting stung, too. Soccer star David Beckham’s private emails were hacked and have stained his golden boy reputation. (Certain emails show Beckham to being petulant and entitled, if not uncaring.)
“With the rich and powerful ever more vulnerable to online attacks, there’s a new must-have member of the entourage,” reports London’s Evening Standard newspaper. It says, “celebrities like David Beckham are being urged to hire cyber-sleuths in the age of hacking.”
The Evening Standard predicts HNW hacking is going to get more prevalent, citing analysts in the $10 billion private security industry.
Venture capitalists have, it seems, taken notice—for profit’s sake, if not their own.
Venture capital firms invested $3.1 billion into cybersecurity start-ups last year, up from $833 million six years ago, according to research firm CB Insights.
Cisco, Microsoft and other big tech firms have stepped up their security product offerings as well.
Cloud servers, virtual safe deposit boxes and social media data have put the wealthy at risk like never before. Which is why the geek on the red carpet may be the most powerful person in the VIP entourage these days.
