Australian firms face rising security & travel challenges

International SOS has released its 2025 Risk Outlook, highlighting increased security threats that Australian businesses will face, including heightened geopolitical tensions, misinformation, stricter U.S. border controls, and transport disruptions.

According to the Risk Outlook, 65 per cent of organisations globally perceive a rise in security risks over the last year. In Australia, 35 per cent of companies expect transport risks and disruptions, and 46 per cent foresee geopolitical tensions affecting their operations. Despite these concerns, only 54 per cent of organisations globally feel equipped to handle geopolitical risks.

Among the top five security threats identified for Australian companies are cyberattacks, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, misinformation, and transport disruptions. A notable 92 per cent of Australian businesses reported anticipating cyberattacks this year. In comparison, 54 per cent cited natural disasters as an area of concern, lower than the 77 per cent observed globally.

International SOS advises Australian firms with overseas operations or travelling staff to re-evaluate their travel policies. This includes incorporating geopolitical risk mapping and real-time monitoring to manage potential disruptions effectively. The company has recently assisted several organisations in dealing with intricate and emerging international security events.

Recent changes in U.S. Executive Orders may impact both Australian business and leisure travellers. Trade between Australia and the U.S. was estimated at USD $51.3 billion in goods in 2024. According to International SOS travel data, the U.S. was the most visited country by its business clients, accounting for 12 per cent of all travel and being among the top three countries where assistance was frequently required.

New U.S. regulations, including mandatory binary gender identification on passports, enhanced surveillance at borders, and more stringent security checks, could result in travel delays and complications. International SOS recommends that businesses stay informed about evolving U.S. regulations, update their compliance procedures, and prepare employees for additional documentation requirements.

"We have seen a growing number of requests for support and general queries recently regarding adverse experiences at U.S. borders, particularly in relation to increased scrutiny by immigration and customs officials," said James Robertson, Global Head of Security at International SOS. He went on to elaborate on tighter controls introduced since the "maximum vetting" policy under the Trump administration, mentioning potential searches of phones and personal electronic devices. "There have been recent incidents involving international students and academics who were detained, and had their visas revoked – often in connection to alleged support for groups designated as terrorist organisations by the U.S. or participation in activism deemed adversarial to the U.S."

Australian businesses may also face increased challenges due to a rising tide of economic nationalism. Countries focusing on domestic industries, tightening border controls, and reforming trade alliances could place companies operating in the U.S., China, India, and Indonesia at a competitive disadvantage. International SOS suggests incorporating geopolitical intelligence in business strategies, reassessing market risks, and strengthening strategic partnerships in key regions.

The Risk Outlook 2025 further addresses the growing threat of misinformation driven by artificial intelligence. Data shows that 27 per cent of organisations globally, and 23 per cent in Australia, were affected by misinformation in 2024. Moreover, 50 per cent of global organisations, and 38 per cent in Australia, had already responded to health and security disinformation issues among their staff.

"With AI-generated false narratives increasingly spread via encrypted and hard-to-detect platforms, we recommend applying human intelligence and using verified sources when making operational or travel decisions," Robertson advised.

International SOS urges Australian businesses to continuously evaluate and update their risk management strategies to ensure resilience and safeguard employee safety in a volatile global environment.