Global Mobility in the Digital Age: Securing Client Data Across Borders

The evolution of global professional services

Our approach extends beyond traditional expatriate assignments. When clients face complex international tax matters, professionals in New York, London, and Milan collaborate in real time, each contributing jurisdictional expertise. Month-end closings now operate around the clock with teams in different time zones ensuring continuous progress. The widespread adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has created unprecedented opportunities for seamless service delivery.

Security challenges in global operations

This interconnected approach introduces complex cybersecurity challenges. Protecting sensitive client information across multiple jurisdictions, varying infrastructure standards, and diverse regulatory environments requires comprehensive, multi-layered solutions. Traditional data breach concerns are magnified when financial information crosses international boundaries, while regulatory compliance becomes exponentially more complex with team members subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in California, and various other global data protection regimes.

Our strategic security framework

We've developed a comprehensive framework addressing these unique challenges while preserving operational flexibility:

Advanced threat detection: Our 24/7 security centre monitors our global network, rapidly identifying anomalies and neutralising threats. Systems continuously analyse network traffic, user behaviour, and system performance.

Zero-trust access controls: We've abandoned the traditional network security model, implementing zero-trust principles that assume no user or device should be trusted by default, regardless of location.

Multi-layered authentication: Strong verification measures including multi-factor authentication combined with single sign-on ensure only authorised team members access sensitive data remotely while maintaining convenience.

Regulatory compliance: We maintain strict adherence to international privacy laws including GDPR, CCPA, and emerging regulations worldwide, implementing operational processes and ensuring ongoing compliance as data moves between jurisdictions.

Secure infrastructure: Cloud-based virtual desktop technology and global VPN infrastructure provide secure access while ensuring sensitive client data never leaves our corporate environment.

Continuous monitoring: Regular audits, penetration testing, and staff education ensure our security measures evolve alongside emerging threats. Our ISO 27001 certification reinforces our commitment to information security management.

The future

Global mobility will continue to accelerate, driven by client demands for specialised expertise and evolving work patterns. We view cybersecurity as an enabler allowing confident service delivery across any geographic boundary. Success requires integrating technical controls, regulatory compliance, operational processes, and ongoing risk management into a cohesive framework that enables secure global collaboration.

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Andrea Fantozzi is a partner and director of the Italian Group in the international department of Prager Metis CPAs, a member of Prager Metis International.

Gurjit Singh is the chief information officer of Prager Metis CPAs. His primary focus is helping Prager Metis CPAs effectively use information technology and accounting applications by optimising tax, audit, and administrative production workflows.