Australian businesses have been urged to review risk and travel management plans, amidst warnings of heightened geopolitical tensions, transport disruptions, stricter United States (US) border controls and rising misinformation from AI, according to new research from International SOS.
The world’s leading medical and security risk management company recently released its ‘Risk Outlook’ report, revealing just over a third of Australian organisations (35 percent vs. 65 percent globally) expect transport risks and disruption in 2025, while 46 percent (69 percent globally) anticipate geopolitical tensions that will impact their business.
Concerningly, only 54 percent of Australian organisations (53 percent globally) said they feel prepared to deal with potential geopolitical risks, highlighting the need for a proactive approach.
Globally, 65 percent of organisations believe security risks have increased in the past 12 months, with the report revealing the top five security threats for Australian companies are cyberattacks, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, misinformation and transport disruptions.
Cyberattacks are front of mind for Australian organisations, with 92 percent expecting to be impacted this year (compared to 78 percent globally), while natural disasters are less of a concern at 54 percent (vs. 77 percent globally).
International SOS has advised Australian businesses with international operations or travelling employees to be particularly aware, suggesting a review and update of travel policies, including the adoption of geopolitical risk-mapping and real-time monitoring to manage disruptions.
Additionally, monitoring evolving US regulations, updating compliance procedures and preparing employees for additional documentation or entry requirements is also recommended as new US policies – such as mandatory binary gender identification on passports, increased surveillance at borders and tighter security checks – could lead to travel delays or complications.
James Robertson, Global Head of Security at International SOS, said the organisation has seen a growing number of requests for support and general queries recently, regarding adverse experiences at US borders, particularly in relation to increased scrutiny by immigration and customs officials.
“Since the implementation of the ‘maximum vetting’ policy by the Trump administration, US border agents have enforced stricter controls, which has included the potential search of phones and personal electronic devices upon entry,” he said.
“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 US or participation in activism deemed adversarial to the US.”
Amidst a wave of economic nationalism, Australian businesses are also warned that they could face increased challenges elsewhere, with a number of countries prioritising domestic industries, tightening border controls and reforming trade alliances.
International SOS advises companies to incorporate geopolitical intelligence into business planning, reassess market risks and strengthen strategic partnerships in key regions.
The report also touches on AI and the threat of AI-powered misinformation, with the data revealing 23 percent of Australian companies were affected by misinformation in 2024 (compared to 27 percent globally), while 38 percent have already responded to health and security disinformation among their staff (compared to 50 percent globally).
“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,” concluded Robertson.
As Australian businesses continue to face increasingly complex and interconnected security challenges, International SOS has advised a continuous review and update of risk management strategies to ensure business resilience and safeguarding of employees in an uncertain global landscape.
