The wealthier you are, the bigger the target. Cybercriminals don’t just hack businesses; they go after individuals. From smart estates and private jets to armored vehicles and superyachts, vulnerabilities exist everywhere. We sat down with Jeff Engen, CEO of US Armor Group (USAG), and Trent Clark, VP of USAG Cyber Security Division, to discuss why cybersecurity has become as essential as bulletproof glass in today’s luxury lifestyle.
Trent Clark, who serves as the VP of USAG Cyber Security Division, is a retired US Army Sergeant Major with 26 years of service, much of it spent in Special Operations and cybersecurity roles at the forefront of national security. His career included some of the military’s most selective assignments, working closely with elite units and government agencies on cyber defense, threat mitigation, and secure communications in contested environments. Following his service, Trent was named a Fellow at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where he advanced research and strategy in emerging technologies and cyber operations.
Today, Trent is the CEO of a specialized cybersecurity firm, where he applies battlefield-tested leadership to protect high-net-worth clients, mission-driven organizations, and government partners. His focus is on integrating advanced capabilities—AI, machine learning, and proactive threat modeling—into real-world security frameworks that not only defend against modern risks but also anticipate them
duPont REGISTRY (dR): Why are ultra-high-net-worth individuals becoming prime cyber targets?
US Armor Group: Wealth magnifies exposure. Whether cruising in a yacht, driving down the street in a supercar, or even listing a mansion for sale, these actions draw attention from those looking for high-value targets. These cybercriminals know CEOs, celebrities, and families often have weaker personal defenses than the corporations they run. A single compromised phone or smart device can open the door to millions.
dR: What are the most common weak points you see in luxury lifestyles?
US Armor Group: Smart homes, private jets, and yachts. IoT systems, in-flight Wi-Fi, and satellite networks create vulnerabilities criminals exploit. Vehicles are also at risk; modern cars are essentially rolling data centers with exploitable entry points.
dR: How have cyber threats changed the definition of luxury security?
US Armor Group: Traditional security focused on guards, gates, and glass. Today, the real luxury is control, knowing your digital world is untouchable. Cybersecurity has become the new status symbol among the elite.
dR: Why are private networks on jets and yachts such attractive targets?
US Armor Group: They’re often built on consumer-grade systems and patched together. Hackers see them as soft entry points. We design secure, encrypted networks, sometimes fully air-gapped, to ensure clients stay protected mid-flight or mid-sea.
dR: What role does cyber protection play in an armored vehicle?
US Armor Group: The strongest glass won’t stop a hacker from cutting the engine via a Wi-Fi handshake. Modern armored vehicles require next-gen firewalls, encrypted onboard data, and anti-jamming measures. Physical armor without digital armor leaves you incomplete.
dR: Are high-profile families really facing personal cyber extortion?
US Armor Group: Absolutely. Deepfake voice cloning, SIM-swapping, and location tracking are being used in “cyber-kidnapping” attempts. Criminals don’t need vans and blindfolds anymore; they can weaponize your phone. And all of this is made simpler for cybercriminals when the family shares private offices, homes, or vacation homes.
dR: How does US Armor Group approach these evolving threats differently?
US Armor Group: We don’t sell one-off tools. We design ecosystems. Every engagement starts with a vulnerability assessment across physical, digital, and environmental domains. From there, we build layered, integrated defenses tailored to the client’s lifestyle.
This is where our Fortress360℠ program comes into play. This program delivers elite, full-spectrum threat mitigation—digital, physical, and environmental. Through this program, our clients can rest assured that they’re safe from both cyber and physical threats.
dR: What mistakes do wealthy clients often make with cyber defense?
US Armor Group: Thinking basic antivirus or a VPN equals protection. Or relying on corporate IT practices at home. The truth is, luxury lifestyles require bespoke solutions. Off-the-shelf products can’t keep pace with targeted attacks, especially for individuals who are constantly on the move, traveling from penthouses, offices, and multiple residences.
dR: Has cybersecurity become part of the luxury conversation?
US Armor Group: Without question. For our clients, discretion and control are the ultimate luxuries. Peace of mind is now as essential as a private jet or an estate. In today’s world, protection is prestige.
dR: What’s your advice for anyone investing in serious cyber protection for the first time?
US Armor Group: Recognize that anything emitting a signal – phone, Wi-Fi, GPS, smart device, is a potential attack vector. Then, treat cybersecurity as seriously as physical security. It’s not just about guarding assets, but safeguarding the freedom to live without fear.
dR: Where/how do people think they’re safe from cyber attacks but are actually very vulnerable?
US Armor Group: The greatest vulnerabilities aren’t in the places people expect, they’re in the everyday conveniences of a luxury lifestyle. A CEO will pour millions into securing their corporate network, but then run a vacation home filled with smart devices that have never been updated, or stream a movie on a private jet’s Wi-Fi that’s running on consumer-grade hardware. These are the doors attackers look for, and they’re often wide open.
The numbers are sobering: over 70% of smart home devices have known security flaws; more than 60% of in-flight Wi-Fi systems run on off-the-shelf equipment; and 80% of people still reuse passwords across personal and work accounts.
So while families may feel safe behind estate gates, inside armored vehicles, or cruising at 40,000 feet, they’re actually exposing themselves to risks they’d never tolerate in a boardroom. The illusion of security is often the very thing that makes them most vulnerable.
dR: What are the ramifications of a high-net-worth individual falling victim to a cyber attack?
US Armor Group: The fallout extends far beyond financial loss—it strikes at the heart of privacy, safety, and reputation. A compromised email account can leak sensitive family details. A hacked vehicle can reveal travel patterns in real time. Criminals are no longer just after money; they’re after leverage.
We’ve seen ransom demands starting at $1.5 million, but the damage doesn’t stop at a payout. Deepfake extortion has exploded by over 350% in the past year, criminals can now clone a child’s voice to simulate a kidnapping call. Imagine the terror of receiving that phone call, not knowing if it’s real.
For high-net-worth individuals, an attack can unravel an entire lifestyle overnight. Reputation can be tarnished in headlines, personal safety compromised, and family trust shattered. The real danger isn’t just financial theft, it’s the psychological warfare that follows. A single breach can transform confidence into constant fear, and once that line is crossed, money alone can’t buy peace of mind back.
