Digital Nomads—Securing Today’s Mobile Worker

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Digital Nomads—Securing Today’s Mobile Worker,” presented by Paul Huston, CPP, Corporate Security and Chief Security Officer at BGIS Global Integrated Solutions. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar. 

A: For many workers, the pandemic has forever shifted how they view the workplace. At one time no one questioned the traffic jams and crowded offices of our 9-5; now, an increasing number of employees are trading their offices for laptops – and the freedom to work wherever they wish – including overseas. With this freedom, however, comes a range of security risks that employees and companies must prepare for. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Security professionals need to understand their company, their customers, and their employees as they begin to better understand this topic. The security needs for digital nomads vary from industry to industry, with everything from data security laws to taxes and visas impacting a company’s way forward.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: The issue of digital nomads will likely evolve in parallel with the current “in office vs work at home” debate within corporate leaderships. Some would argue the genie is out of the proverbial bottle, while others feel that the easing of COVID restrictions means employees can dedicate more vacation time to their travel wishes.  

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: I attend GSX to learn about the latest trends and issues facing security professionals, and to learn from the best the industry has to offer.