Bodyguards aren’t enough: After Jensen Huang’s exit, CEOs need counterintelligence training

Nvidia's former CEO, Jensen Huang, resigned this month after confessing to an affair with a woman who U.S. intelligence officials suspect is a Chinese intelligence asset. Although Nvidia's board insisted there was no evidence of compromised national security or corporate secrets, China has denied the allegations. Just a month before, OpenAI had uncovered a listening device during a conference where sensitive conversations took place. The FBI subsequently arrested an OpenAI employee accused of planting it.

For corporate executives, espionage and targeted attacks from foreign governments have become a pressing issue. Previously impervious companies now face the threat of espionage and physical attacks. While companies already allocate millions for executive security, such as Nvidia's $4 million investment in Huang's protection in fiscal 2026, there is growing concern that current methods are insufficient.

Michael Evanoff, global chief security officer at Verkada, noted that AI companies are particularly vulnerable due to their emerging nature and lack of established security systems. He advised executives to avoid predictable routines and be cautious about sharing information, especially while traveling. Protective intelligence and due diligence are no longer optional but essential for modern C-suite executives.

AI has introduced an additional layer of risk through deepfakes and synthetic clones that can manipulate video and audio recordings. Evanoff warned that employees cannot reliably distinguish authentic interactions from manipulated ones. This creates a new challenge for maintaining trust and security in communication channels, including video conferences.

As a result, companies must implement rigorous screening processes during the hiring process, including background checks, social and financial due diligence, and social media reviews.

In conclusion, building a security-conscious organization involves integrating physical security, cybersecurity, legal, and communications strategies. Training future executives on security matters should begin in business schools, as many currently overlook this crucial aspect of corporate governance.