The bulwark against security and cyber threats: Praesidio Group

We deliver optimal security, intelligence & cyber solutions to corporations, governments and public & private sectors around the world.

Our world is a security driven society. The gravity of security cannot be undermined as countries and corporations spend millions on keeping various threats at bay and neutralizing them. Oftentimes intelligence or cyber failures can lead to disastrous results causing huge losses. But the threats aren’t just virtual, personal security is also of utmost importance. Regularly we hear horrible news of gruesome things happening at large gatherings or to individuals with considerable power. In such scenarios, a Copenhagen, Denmark headquartered company comes in the forefront to address the issue.

Founded in 2012, Praesidio Group solves its clients’ security needs so they can focus on what they do best with peace of mind. It has a global network of associates and partners with experienced capabilities to meet your complete security or discreet due diligence requirements.

The company’s knowledge is based and gathered through decades of professional work experience and personal relationships within U.S. & UK government agencies, U.S. & European Special Operation Forces and Chief Security Officers within blue-chip international corporations.

In dialogue with the security doyen Susanne Skov Diemer, Founder and CEO

Q. What led to the inception of the company?

Praesidio Group was established because of the rising need for a professional security company which can be trusted and can maintain discretion as well as has expertise in security, intelligence, investigations, Risk and Crisis management. It is critical to understand that if there is a cyber and IT security breach often times there is also a physical security breach in the organization. This can either be an employee who has failed some of the security procedures or corporate espionage.

Since our founding, we have a wide range of skill sets to deal with various breaches. I have been in this business for many years now and as a result, developed a good network around the world.

Further, we have been extremely fortunate to have expanded as our clients grow and expand. Praesidio Group has got the majority of our clients by word of mouth, which is a testimony of our work and how comfortable clients feel to seek and recommend us.

Q. Can you give us an insight into your projects?

The nature of our business is such that we never talk about specific projects or clients and every one of our clients and projects is special.

I have worked for a president, a few kings, corporate CEO’s and boards, well-known people from sport, music, and film industry and highly affluent families. We have been with our clients in rain and shine— assisted on everything from blackmail cases, espionage, vetting of staff and partners, investigations, company due diligence, divorces, close protection and business intelligence. Furthermore, we have assisted in security matters at large events or when the youth of families are venturing out into the world for the first time.

Q. What are the challenges you face in this industry?

The industry we serve is founded on trust and reputation and thankfully I had a good personal reputation before setting up Praesidio in Copenhagen. I have lived and worked in Washington DC and London and travelled in most parts of the world. My advice is that your reputation is important and your business depends on it. When I established the business one person said to me that ‘if you are here in 4 years’ time, I will do business with you’. He phoned me back after 6 months and said he was wrong and if I could meet him at his office.  

Additionally, I was extremely fortunate to have had some great mentors within the business.

Q. What do you feel are the reasons behind your company’s reputation?

Our reputation is based on two things; credibility and trust.  Our clients know that our team puts confidentiality first and will not stop until all aspects of the information are examined or a project is solved to the highest standard. We believe that one earns trust through high performance and consistent action.

Q. Explain the factors that drive you to excel in this highly sensitive industry.

The security industry has a mixed reputation. In some cases, it is understandable if you think about security as fences, alarms, and bodyguards who have the muscles but not the brains.

However, that’s just one part of the service; security is about thinking smart and it motivates me to talk about the importance of security as a business enabler.  A common notion is that security burns a hole in the pocket but rather it prevents you from losing money.  Security is much more than IT or cybersecurity. Security deals with protection of brands – both personal and corporate brands.

Moreover, the intelligence and security techniques we have been taught, transfers well into corporate & private security, and business intelligence.

Q. How does Praesidio contribute to the global security platform and society at large?

I would welcome a professional working group to set standards, goals, and objectives at the international level. I think it would be brilliant if security and IT people would come together and discuss internationally the ‘lack of understanding by others of the importance of security, cyber and IT issues’. Since a proper awareness of these issues can be pivotal in handling problems like Anti-bribery, human trafficking, corruption, espionage etc.

Meet the “Sarah Lund” of Praesidio Group

Susanne Skov Diemer, Founder & CEO: As an entrepreneur and thought leader, Susanne is a highly motivated Risk Mitigation & Security Specialist with a broad international experience based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

She has extensive Risk, Security, Consulting and Management experience gained over her 25+ years career working in different parts of the world and livingpermanently in Washington D.C. and London. She has received various U.S. Government awards for her work with the U.S. Department of State— Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

Susanne has a vast network and remarkable client base at the top level in both the private, corporate, and public sector across the world. She is a specialist in Risk & Crisis Management, Corporate, and Personal Security, Staff Vetting, Surveillance, Corporate Investigation, Investigative Interviewing, Counterintelligence & Event Security Coordination.

“Praesidio values ethics highly. Wherever we operate, we have the deepest respect for the word and spirit of the law, privacy as well as human and intellectual rights.”