I've spent 20+ years protecting high-profile travelers in some of the most volatile regions on the planet. The security landscape in 2025 is more complex than ever; physical dangers, cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, all converging at the same time.
If you're an executive, HNW individual, or traveling in unsafe environments, here's what you need to know and how to stay ahead of the perils.
The 2025 Threat Landscape
The Department of Homeland Security's 2025 Threat Assessment flags terrorism risk as "high," driven by lone actors, small groups, and foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qa'ida. These menaces aren't limited to the US. They extend to international business hubs: São Paulo, Dubai, London, Singapore, New York.
Physical threats: Lone-wolf terrorists radicalized online pose unpredictable risks at hotels, conference venues, transit hubs. Vehicle ramming attacks. Targeted violence at public events. Soft targets and critical infrastructure remain the primary concern.
Cyber attacks: Business email compromises targeting leaders. Vishing campaigns exploiting travel itineraries. Smishing attacks via SMS. Whaling attacks aimed at C-suite travelers. The US Secret Service reports a surge in fraud against executives during international travel.
Geopolitical risks: Escalating tensions in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia-Pacific increase risks in key business destinations. Military buildups in Germany, Poland, and Sweden signal heightened concerns for 2025.
Privacy breaches: High-profile individuals are prime targets for surveillance, doxxing, and state-sponsored espionage, especially in countries with weak data protection.
Key Risks by Destination
São Paulo: Express kidnappings, armed robbery, cyber deception. Economic disparity fuels violent crime. Protests disrupt travel.
Dubai: Cyber fraud and eavesdropping risks dominate. Finance hub attracts sophisticated digital threats. Regional geopolitical tensions create secondary risks.
London: Protest activity and terrorism risk heightened by political polarization. Cyber criminals and insider risks target executives.
Singapore: Online scams and espionage risks in fintech hub. Regional geopolitical tensions pose lesser but present concerns.
New York: Domestic extremism and cyber fraud lead risks. Violent crime and insider threats impact high-profile travelers.
Protection Strategies That Work
I've run executive protection operations across conflict zones and business hubs. Here's what actually works, not theory.
Pre-Travel Risk Assessments
Before you travel, you need a tailored threat assessment. Not generic country reports. Route-level intelligence. Specific risks based on your profile, timing, and itinerary.
For a female executive traveling to São Paulo, I analyze local crime trends, cross-reference recent incidents, identify troubled spots, and provide actionable insights. Not a 50-page PDF. A tactical brief you can execute.
Security Awareness Training
I provide HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape), self-defense, and anti-kidnapping protocols. Tailored to your destination and threats.
NGO staff deploying to Africa. Journalists covering Myanmar. Flight attendants on Miami-Bogotá routes. Corporate executives in harmful regions. The training adapts to the mission.
Secure Communications
Encrypted apps like Signal for all communications. No hotel WiFi for sensitive discussions. Device security protocols. I recommend specific tools based on the latest vulnerabilities and your threat environment.
Surveillance Detection
High-profile travelers need to spot hostile surveillance before it becomes a problem. Tailing. Stalking. Pattern recognition. I train clients in practical anti-surveillance, anti-tracking, and kidnapping response tactics. Not classroom theory. Field-tested methods.
Real-Time Threat Monitoring
During travel, real-time intelligence matters. If protests erupt in Paris, you need actionable updates immediately. Safe routes. Emergency contacts. Tactical adjustments.
I provide intelligence briefings tailored to your route and timing. Not generic alerts. Specific, pragmatic advice.
Cyber Hygiene
Multi-factor authentication. Avoid public USB charging stations. Device encryption. Secure browsing. I can simulate phishing attacks to identify weaknesses before cyber criminals exploit them.
Why Work With Zika Risk
I'm a solo operator with 20+ years of close protection, threat intelligence, and private investigation experience across five continents. Zero failed operations.
I don't run a corporate firm with layers of bureaucracy. You get instant access to me and my operational experience. No junior analysts. No call centers. Just top-level security fit for purpose.
Whether you're a CEO traveling to Dubai, a family office planning a European tour, or an NGO deploying to a combat zone, I provide tactful, proactive security solutions.
California Licensed Private Investigator/Executive Protection Specialist. Business Insider featured security expert.
In Summary
Threats in 2025 are complex. Physical, digital, geopolitical...all concurring at once. Generic security programs don't work. You need tailored, practical intelligence, a holistic training approach, and real-time support.
Don't wait for an incident to find out your security program has gaps.
If you need executive protection, travel risk management, or threat intelligence for high-risk travel, let's talk.
Contact: zika@zikarisk.com
