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Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.), Former Commander, U.S. Cyber Command & Former Director of the National Security Agency addressed the ever-evolving threat landscape where cyber and physical security converge
New Orleans, LA (2 October 2025)–ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2025 on Wednesday, 1 October – where law enforcement, military, and first responders received a free one-day pass to attend GSX.
To honor those who serve and protect, ASIS began the day with a special sold-out breakfast event sponsored by Protos Security. This gathering celebrated the dedication of active duty and retired law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders. ASIS extends its gratitude to service members worldwide for their tireless efforts in safeguarding our communities.
The day opened with a presentation on cross-sector collaboration and the successful transition of veterans and law enforcement professionals into security careers, delivered by Mikaela Fahey, PSP, Vice Chair of ASIS International's Military and Veterans Community, and Karen Flowers, CTM, Vice Chair of the Law Enforcement Liaison Community.
"When we facilitate meaningful connections between the private and public sectors, we unlock transformative outcomes," said Fahey. "We've seen former police chiefs help retail organizations implement community policing principles that simultaneously reduce theft and enhance customer relations. We've watched Navy intelligence officers guide financial services firms in adopting an adversarial mindset when evaluating cybersecurity vulnerabilities. These collaborations don't just share knowledge—they create measurable impact in protecting our communities."
Wednesday’s general session featured Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.)’s keynote address entitled “Lasting Leadership Lessons from the World’s Second Oldest Profession”. Gen. Nakasone led the largest and most technically advanced component of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the National Security Agency for nearly six years. GSX marked the start of Cyber Security Awareness Month with the speech by the former U.S. Cyber Command leader that spoke of leadership during transition, both societal and technological and his pivotal role in the establishment of the organization.
“We have a number of different nations that are operating adversely in cyberspace (China, Russia, North Korea and Iran). We have a convergence between physical and cyber security, and we are witnessing the most disruptive technology of our time, artificial intelligence,” Gen. Nakasone said.
Gen. Nakasone spoke of how the convergence and disruptions are changing the behaviors of state actors and what that means for Americans. “It is estimated today that almost every American has been touched by Chinese Cyber Attack capabilities. This is the scope of what is happening today in cyber space.”
Gen. Nakasone shared that agility and resilience were key to leading through transition and three leadership personal lessons from the world’s second oldest profession that never change: critical thinking, communication and character. With a reminder to the audience that, “character is what you are in the dark. We want security professionals that are viewed with the greatest amount of character.”
Numerous sessions focused on resilience in many forms including security mindsets and the ability to adapt to change in an evolving threat landscape. Wednesday’s Game Changer “Resilience Amid Changing Conditions: Partnerships, Risk Transference, and New Patterns to Predict” focused on disaster preparedness, a critical area of concern given that disasters cost an estimated $320 billion worldwide in 2024. The session highlighted resilience and focused on how paramount partnerships were in addressing crises.
AI also represented a major theme throughout the conference, and Wednesday was no exception with sessions such as “Transforming Security Planning: AI and Predictive Analytics for Master Plan Success,” and “From Reactive to Proactive: How AI and Human Verification Revolutionize Incident Reporting.”
For more information on GSX, we invite you to visit the GSX Daily.
ASIS International has announced that Atlanta, Georgia will host GSX 2026 from 14 September to 16 September. For more information, please visit gsx.org.
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About Global Security Exchange (GSX)
Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the world’s most comprehensive event for security professionals for more than 65 years. Meeting the needs of the global security community, ASIS designed an in-person and digital experience like none other in the security profession. ASIS International remains dedicated to expanding and enriching knowledge sharing, best practices, and peer-to-peer connections so security professionals across disciplines—and at all stages of their career—can get access to the information and resources they need to succeed. For information about GSX, please visit www.GSX.org.
About ASIS International
Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world's largest membership organization for security management professionals. With hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management magazine, and Global Security Exchange—the most influential event in the profession—ASIS ensures its members and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property, and information assets. Learn more about the work we do at www.asisonline.org.
