For an executive, the home is part of their security perimeter. And that perimeter no longer ends at the door: it includes every family member's phone, their social media accounts and what household staff mention without realizing it.
Physical barriers: giving the impression of a fortress
The purpose of barriers is to make a criminal prefer an easier option. Exterior lighting, door viewers, deterrent signs, alarms and monitoring services increase the effort an attack requires. Living in a gated community helps, but it doesn't replace these measures.
People: the most important control
- Household staff should not open the door without authorization or confirm who lives in the house or whether anyone is home.
- Every visit requires authorization and visual verification before entering, including technicians, couriers and delivery workers.
- Running drills with a trusted person who tries to obtain information shows whether the protocol works.
- Keep a relationship of trust with staff: someone afraid of being scolded hides important information.
- Check background and references before hiring, within the applicable legal framework.
Trips and absences
- Don't mention in advance that the house will be empty or when you'll be back.
- Ask someone you trust to collect mail and keep the house looking occupied.
- Don't post the trip on social media while it's happening. A photo at the airport is an announcement of an empty house.
The family's digital footprint
Children's names, schools, license plates, the front of the house and schedules can be pieced together from seemingly harmless posts. We recommend periodically reviewing what public information exists about the executive and their family and adjusting account privacy.
Emergency preparedness
- A visible list of emergency numbers and trusted people.
- An accessible fire extinguisher and first-aid kit, and a set place for door and vehicle keys.
- An internal meeting point and a family plan: if someone tries to break in, gather in a safe room, lock it and call for help. Possessions can be recovered; people can't.
- Children who know their full name and their parents' numbers, but don't share their address with strangers.
Conclusions
Protecting an executive's home means combining physical barriers, clear protocols for staff and digital discipline across the whole family. Information that isn't posted is information an attacker can't use.
Frequently asked questions
What information should an executive not post on social media?
Real-time location, ongoing trips, routines, children's schools, license plates and details of the home or its security measures.
How do you prepare household staff for security?
With simple rules: don't open without authorization, don't give out information by phone or at the door, verify visitors and immediately report anything unusual.
Sources
- Internal document “Curso de Seguridad y Comportamiento Preventivo” (in Spanish)
Bring this topic to your organization
The Seguridad 360 Course turns these ideas into habits. Next edition: October 31, 2026 (taught in Spanish).