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, “Data Protection, Privacy, and Transparency,” presented by Joseph Kabosa Maina, Security Risk Controller at Lady Askari. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!

Q: How did you become interested in your topic?

A: I became interested in the topic since we have experienced instances in which most people, when accessing different online apps and services, don’t read or try to understand the privacy policy of usage. With this knowledge, most people have lost court cases since negligence was found on their side. Most online users give authority of data exposure as a sign-up requirement, hence leading to hackers accessing crucial information that should be confidential through malicious website links. That led to exposing crucial information to their immediate people or associates. So, sensitizing the need to uphold data privacy, transparency, and protection became my interest.

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

A: My presentation will be brief and well-detailed to help every professional to be conversant with data protection in their different fields of expertise. Security professionals need the topic on their radar so that they can have documents of individuals’ clear consent to the processing of customers’ data to avoid legal encounters on any breaches experienced during transactions. It also makes easier access for the data subject to his or her data. In case of project closure, the right to rectification, to erasure, and ‘to be forgotten’ for data safety purposes, and lastly to consent the right to object, including to the use of personal data for ‘profiling’ or the right to data portability from one service provider to another

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

A: The best advice I would give is to stay informed since regulations evolve, regularly update your knowledge through courses, seminars, and workshops, familiarizing oneself with major data protection regulations like GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and others relevant to the security industry and region. Developing technical expertise to allow information access of data to authorized parties only. These applications would promote a culture of privacy while enhancing transparency and help implement strong security measures. With all these security professionals can build robust data privacy and protection frameworks, fostering transparency to face digital age challenges revamped. engaging in ethical practices becomes easy.

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

A: The next three years are poised to see significant advancements in privacy and data protection, driven by technological innovation, evolving regulations, and increased public awareness. Individuals will gain more control over their personal information, businesses will adopt more responsible data-handling practices, and workplace data compliance will become more robust and standardized. These developments will collectively contribute to a more secure and privacy-conscious digital environment

Q: Why do you attend GSX?

A: The great opportunity to attend Global Security Exchange provides me with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to excel in security and stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving security field.

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, “Crafting Your Path to Success: The Power of Branding & Reputational Management,” presented by Allison Sands, CPP, VP Corporate Security and Resilience at Gilead Sciences, Brittany Galli, CEO at BFG Ventures, Elizabeth Moslander, CPP, Security Consultant at ELM-LTD, and Natasha Ryan, VP Communications at The North Group. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!

Q: How did you become interested in your topic?

AS: Each of us has a personal brand, whether we intentionally create one or not. My interest in personal branding stems from a desire to be proactive in strategically positioning myself for career success while still being my authentic self. The security industry can seem homogeneous, and early in my career, I felt pressure to conform to a “typical” security persona. However, with time and many missteps, I recognized the importance honoring and amplifying my values, expertise, and unique attributes. While it made it harder to “fit in” at first, I realized that building a strong personal brand that aligned with my values would help me build a network of meaningful connections. Moreover, I became fascinated by how a well-crafted brand could differentiate individuals in a competitive landscape by helping them stand out and attract new opportunities. 

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

BG: It’s more valuable now than ever to build a strong and valuable reputation. Branding yourself locally and globally is a must in this workforce revolution and our panel aims to give leaders the tools to thrive reputationally in the security industry. 

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

EM: In today’s digital age, where information travels rapidly and perceptions can be formed in an instant, mastering the art of branding and reputational management is more critical than ever. It requires self-awareness, consistency, and a commitment to presenting yourself or your brand in the best possible light, both online and offline. Authenticity helps build credibility and trust with your audience. People are more likely to engage with and trust individuals and brands that have a positive and reputable online presence. By proactively managing your online reputation, it helps mitigate the risk of negative publicity or reputational damage.  

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

NR: We live in a culture where accountability is now paramount. A company’s reputation is everything, and if there is one hint of a lack of transparency during a crisis, that company risks being abruptly canceled. It comes down to authenticity and owning one’s part in a crisis or scandal. I don’t see the standards lessening over the next 2-5 years. In fact, I see branding for companies getting more relatable, more than just business, letting clients see behind the curtain. Who a company is, its values, and its mission will matter more in 5 years than they do now. That reputation and branding will be pivotal in how a company can come back from a crisis.  

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

BG: I attend GSX for industry networking and the executive learning content education sessions. It’s an international conference that helps build a valuable and irreplaceable professional network. 

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, “Workplace Violence Prevention: Best Practices for Threat Assessment and Management in Corporate Environment,” presented by Michael Rozin, President at Rozin Security Consulting LLC, and Zachary Hill, Threat Assessment and Management Manager at Kroger. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!

MR: How did you become interested in your topic?

MR: As a team, we at Rozin Security and Rozin Technologies have always been deeply committed to preventing acts of targeted violence. This commitment is why I chose this field and why our companies were founded. Over the last eight years, we have increasingly been called upon to support our clients in cases involving threats of targeted violence. This growing need has driven me to learn more about this discipline. I have been fortunate to have the consistent opportunity to apply these learned methods in real-world environments while working with our clients. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in refining my knowledge and approach to preventing workplace targeted violence. By sharing my insights and experiences, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation within the professional security community and help corporations better protect their employees and assets from the threat of targeted violence.

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

ZH: We will dive into understanding the issues corporate security professionals face, balancing their understanding of security and the domain of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM). While there is overlap between the two domains; BTAM has a distinct mission steeped in psychology focusing on prevention. This presentation is a must for those managing a BTAM team or investigating workplace violence cases as one of their many responsibilities. We will give you the tools to better communicate with your stakeholders, how to investigate these cases better, and ultimately prevent instances of targeted violence.

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

MR: Workplace violence prevention programs have become an absolute necessity for organizations in today’s world. I believe as security professionals, it is our responsibility to develop an understanding of this critical field and adhere to established best practices. To achieve this, I recommend engaging with professional organizations such as the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and ASIS International. These organizations provide invaluable access to knowledge, training, and resources that can greatly enhance your expertise in workplace violence prevention.

In addition to leveraging these professional resources, I strongly advise security professionals to seek out quality information and stay up to date with the latest laws and regulations related to workplace violence prevention. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for developing and implementing effective prevention programs that comply with local, state, and federal requirements.  

Another key piece of advice is to approach workplace violence prevention from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective. Collaborate with professionals from various fields, such as human resources, legal, and mental health, to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of targeted violence.

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

ZH: BTAM has been used for years to protect elected officials and public figures, but really got a broader application after Columbine and with each successive incident from Sandy Hook to Santa Fe to Parkland, all sparking legislative mandates.

Q: Why do you attend GSX?

MR: Attending GSX has proven invaluable for my professional development as a security professional. GSX provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the latest solutions on the market, trends, challenges, and best practices in the security industry. Moreover, GSX provides an excellent platform for networking with peers and industry leaders. Through these interactions, I have forged valuable connections and collaborations that have contributed significantly to my professional growth and the success of Rozin Security and Rozin Technologies.

ZH: I attend GSX for the personal and professional growth opportunities that come from the wide array of talent security professionals that are a part of ASIS. I am grateful for this community as we will work towards preventing violence and securing our communities.

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, “Career Mapping: Plan Your Post-Military Journey,” presented by Michael Reiner, CPP, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety at Creighton University, who will interview two former military leaders in his session. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!

Q: How did you become interested in your topic?  

A: I retired from the US Air Force over 7 years ago and transitioned directly into a senior security role, leading the Department of Public Safety at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. I have also served on the Military and Veterans Community (MVC) Steering Group, both before and after my military retirement. What I observed is that too many service members have vague objectives for their post-military life and lack realistic expectations about the civilian job market. I spoke on this topic at GSX in Chicago in 2019 and again last year in Dallas—my hope is that by continuing to provide relevant content, the MVC can better prepare veterans for success at all stages of their professional careers! 

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

A: Our session is presented by the Military and Veterans Community (MVC), a group of ASIS members who are either currently serving or have served in the armed forces of their nation. We will present on Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Sept. 25, on the Career Center stage. Two former military leaders will discuss the key takeaways from their transitions to the civilian security sector. While we can’t possibly cover everything veterans need to know in a 20-minute session, we hope to spur veterans to start thinking about their career objectives and to connect them to people who can assist them in building the professional future they desire. 

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

A: Start early and ask lots of questions! If you are within your final year of military service and haven’t started your transition plan, you’ve put yourself at a disadvantage. Whether you serve for 4 years or 30 years, you have some tough decisions to make that shouldn’t be rushed. What are your priorities for the next chapter of your life—location, salary, type of work, industry sector, work/life balance, or something else? Come to our session to hear our thoughts on how to collect the information you need to make informed decisions that will meet your objectives.  

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

A: Traditionally, presentations about transitioning from the military to the civilian sector focused on senior military officers and noncommissioned officers retiring from security or law enforcement roles with lifelong benefits and transitioning into senior security roles as civilians. I foresee a greater need to educate service members who are separating from the military earlier in their professional careers, often without retirement benefits. Our session will feature an officer from the US Navy who was not in a security role while serving in uniform and who did not serve over 20 years. Her story is compelling and will resonate with many young veterans. As the Military and Veterans Community, we want to inform and support all our fellow service members, not only during their transitions to the civilian sector, but also before and after they take off their military uniforms. 

Q: Why do you attend GSX?  

A: Networking in person! While the breakout sessions certainly provide outstanding educational opportunities, I can learn just as easily on a webinar. What I can’t get online are those face-to-face discussions with security professionals and leading vendors from around the globe who are wrestling with the same challenges we all address in our profession. I can trace specific steps in my own career progression to my attendance at GSX last year. See you in Orlando!