The year 2021 was in full swing, and as planned, Harry had embraced the security consulting side of things. His legendary name in the world of intelligence and special operations was not only attracting government agencies, but also attracting the attention of large multinational companies that needed security experts to protect their data and operations around the world.
Harry had always known that the corporate world faced increasing challenges when it came to security. It wasn't just about physical protection, but also cybersecurity and strategies to defend against corporate espionage. With this in mind, he began accepting consulting contracts for some of the largest companies in the world.
His first major client was Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California. The tech giant hired him to review and improve its internal security policies, as well as to help develop strategies to respond to potential cyber and physical threats. Harry was impressed with Apple's security infrastructure, but he knew there was always room for improvement.
He met with top executives in several sessions at Apple's main campus, offering insights on how to make their operations even more secure.
"The world of technology is constantly evolving, and with that comes new risks. These days, it's not just money that's at stake, but also the privacy and personal data of millions of people. Security should be your number one priority," Harry explained in one meeting.
Apple executives listened intently as Harry spoke about methods of protecting against corporate espionage and how to deal with potential insider threats, which are often underestimated.
After working with Apple for a few weeks, Harry was contacted by Microsoft. The company was about to launch a new global cloud service and wanted to ensure its security was foolproof. Harry was asked to work with their security teams in Seattle to reinforce existing protocols and suggest improvements.
During his meetings at Microsoft, Harry spoke with the cybersecurity engineering team and gave practical recommendations on how to avoid potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
"The key is not just to have a great firewall or protection software, but also to train your team to identify threats before they become real problems. A system is only as strong as its operators," Harry noted during a presentation.
Harry's words carried the weight of his vast experience in dealing with threats in both the physical and digital realms, and Microsoft considered him a key asset to its expansion plans.
Harry was also approached by other multinational companies, including Google, Amazon, and Tesla, all seeking his expertise. Although he now had the freedom to choose which jobs he accepted, Harry took pride in ensuring that the companies he partnered with had the right values in terms of responsibility and ethics.
In addition to direct consultation, Harry also helped create training programs for internal security teams within companies. He knew that it was important not only to define protocols, but also to train people to execute them accurately.
During one of his breaks in Los Angeles, Harry and Kensi were discussing how the consulting job was evolving.
"You know, I thought working with government agencies was stressful, but the corporate world is a whole different beast. They're constantly under threat, and any security breach could mean the downfall of a company," Harry said as they sipped coffee in their new home.
Kensi laughed softly.
"And did you think you'd be more relaxed in retirement? Now you're providing security for some of the biggest companies in the world. And let's be honest, if something happens, they'll come running straight to you," she joked.
"Yeah, but the difference is that now I can choose my own pace. And best of all, when I'm home, I'm home. No emergency calls in the middle of the night… for now," Harry replied, smiling.
Harry had also begun to consider expanding his consulting services into the area of personal security for high-level executives, especially those who traveled frequently to high-risk areas around the world. Protecting people in volatile environments had always been a specialty of his, and he knew he had a lot to offer in this field.
Working as a security consultant gave Harry a new perspective. Although he was no longer on the battlefield or on covert missions, he could still use his vast experience to protect the world, albeit in a different way.
The "Ghost" was still there, even though he now operated in the corporate world, helping companies deal with the growing threats to global security. Although his focus had changed, his mission to protect and serve remained as strong as ever.