Why Executives are your biggest cyber risk (and how to protect them)
When most people think about cybersecurity risks, they picture a hacker in a hoodie, frantically typing away at their computer in the basement of their parent’s home.
But in 2025, the biggest threat to your company’s cybersecurity isn’t a mystery figure in a hoodie.
It’s sitting in the boardroom.
Your executives — yes, the same people steering the company’s future — are one of your most attractive targets for cybercriminals.
And if you're not actively educating them, you're leaving a giant gap in your defence.
Why are executives prime targets?
Executives are a goldmine for attackers.
They have:
Access to sensitive company data
Authority to approve major financial transactions
Insider knowledge about mergers, acquisitions, and strategy
Public visibility that makes impersonation easy
On top of it all, executives are incredibly busy. They’re managing teams, shareholders, stakeholders and business goals. Cybersecurity often isn't top of mind for them, making them vulnerable to highly targeted, sophisticated attacks.
the fastest-growing threat targeting executives
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is one of the fastest growing threats targeting Executives. It is a type of scam where attackers exploit our everyday reliance on email to conduct business. Cybercriminals impersonate executives via email, making requests that appear completely legitimate. In a BEC attack, the email requests an urgent transfer of funds to a third-party account that only the criminals have access to. The success of this scam relies heavily on the recipient of the email trusting the sender, meaning cybercriminals spend time and effort crafting this highly sophisticated scam.
When Cybercrime Shuts Down a $75 Million hedge Fund
One of the most devastating cases targeting an Executive was Levitas Capital. A $75 million Australian hedge fund that was forced to shut shop after a cyber attack on its Executive. Michael Fagan, the founder, clicked on a Zoom phishing invitation that gave cybercriminals complete access to his email account. Impersonating Michael, the attackers approved multiple transfers of funds. The business lost $1.2 million, and with it Levitas Capital’s lost their largest client, leading to the fund's closure, not because the attackers stole money, but due to the loss of confidence.
Real Story: The CEO Who Thought He Was Untouchable
When I first started delivering executive cybersecurity training, I reached out to a CEO on LinkedIn, let’s call him David.
David told me, very bluntly, he didn’t need cybersecurity training. He’s been running his company for over 2 decades. He knows how to spot a scam.
Within six months, David’s LinkedIn profile was hacked. Attackers started messaging his connections, pretending to be him, asking for "urgent favours" and inside information.
The cause of his attack compromise? A reused password.
David’s story isn’t unique.
Executives underestimate their heightened risk and the sophisticated tactics used to target them.
What Makes Executive Cyber Risks Different?
Targeted Attacks: Executives receive more spear-phishing, whaling, and business email compromise attempts.
Public Exposure: Their information (company website, bios, speaking events) is easily available online.
Time Pressure: They're more likely to act quickly under pressure — exactly what attackers exploit.
Sense of Immunity: Many feel "too senior" to fall for basic scams, making them more vulnerable to sophisticated ones.
A one-size-fits-all security awareness training program just doesn’t cut it. Especially at this level.
What Effective Executive Protection Looks Like
Executive training isn’t about sending out another phishing simulation. It requires a tailored, strategic approach that fits into their world and priorities. Effective executive cyber protection includes:
Tailored training focused on real-world scenarios executives face
Industry-specific landscape showcasing the key threats targeting their business
Concise, high-impact sessions that respect time constraints
Private risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in their digital footprint, including breached passwords
Personalised action plans for securing their devices, accounts, and identities
Ongoing support for emerging threats targeting leadership
This is exactly why we built our Boardroom Brilliance program at Psyber, a specialised training package designed specifically for Boards, Directors, C-Suite Executives and senior leaders. We don't waste leaders' time with tech jargon. We connect cybersecurity directly to business outcomes, reputational risk, and personal protection, making it real, relevant, and urgent.
Case Study: Boardroom Brilliance in Action
One of our clients — an investment company with a portfolio across real estate, property and funds management — brought us in after discovering their monthly security training modules weren’t being completion by the Executive team at all, let alone resonating with them!
Training was too boring, too compliance-driven, and frankly, it was being ignored.
After running our Boardroom Brilliance program:
Executive cybersecurity understanding increased by 78% (measured by a pre and post-assessment).
CFO approved funding for more cybersecurity resources, driven by real understanding, not just compliance obligations.
Leaders started proactively asking questions about the cybersecurity strategy.
Today, their executives aren't passive participants in cybersecurity — they're champions for it.
Why Protecting Executives Protects Your Whole Business
When your leadership team is cyber-resilient, the benefits flow through the whole organisation:
Secure online presence: Executives strengthen their digital footprint and cyber hygiene practices
Faster incident response: Executives know how to identify and escalate threats promptly.
Better decision-making: Leaders fund cybersecurity initiatives based on real risk, not fear or obligation.
Stronger culture: When cybersecurity is championed at the top, it becomes part of the company’s DNA.
In 2025 and beyond, cybersecurity leadership is business leadership. And building cyber-smart leaders isn't a "nice to have,” it's a non-negotiable for survival.
Ready to Build Cyber-Strong Leadership?
At Psyber, we believe the best cybersecurity defence starts at the top. Our Boardroom Brilliance program is designed to transform your executives from your biggest cyber risk into your strongest cybersecurity champions. It’s tailored, practical and high-impact.
Because when your leaders are protected, your entire business is stronger.
📞 Ready to Get Started?
The best time to build a strong cybersecurity culture was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.
Book a free consultation with our team now and learn how we can help your executives stay safe against cyber threats.
Based in Sydney and trusted by businesses nationwide.
