Physical threats are threats of violence, intimidation, stalking, or other harm directed at people instead of computer systems. In cyber security, they matter because an attack is not limited to stolen data, locked files, or service outages. When attackers target executives, administrators, or employees personally, they can increase pressure on an organization to pay ransom, reveal information, or delay response actions.
These threats can appear during extortion, doxxing, or coercive social engineering, where criminals try to frighten decision-makers into compliance. Defenders reduce the impact by treating personal safety as part of incident response: limit exposure of staff details, use secure communication channels, coordinate with legal and security teams, and involve physical security or law enforcement when needed. Planning for physical threats helps organizations respond calmly and avoid making rushed decisions under intimidation.