Loise Backryd
Louise Backryd works as a cybersecurity consultant at HiQ, with a special focus on personnel security and insider prevention. In her day-to-day work, she helps companies protect themselves against threats like sabotage, espionage, and terrorism – always with a people-first approach. No two days are the same, and it’s that variety that drives Louise in her role.
In this interview, she shares why the sense of community at HiQ means so much to her, what makes her proud at work – and her big passion outside of the office: hiking far beyond mobile coverage, with a lightweight pack, her dog, and her husband in tow.
What’s your role at HiQ and what does a typical day look like?
I work as a consultant within protective security, with a special focus on personnel security and insider prevention. That means I support our clients in protecting their operations from threats like sabotage, terrorism, and espionage. No day is ever the same – and that’s exactly what makes the job so exciting. One day I might be investigating personnel matters, the next I’m managing an incident, and the day after that I could be developing processes or training staff.
The common thread in everything I do is people – and that’s why every day is different. Everyone is unique. Everyone needs to be met where they are. And that should always guide the work.
What’s the best thing about working here?
The sense of community, no doubt. There’s always someone to grab a coffee with, bounce ideas off of, or ask for advice. We lift each other up, believe in one another, and share a genuine curiosity for our respective fields. We’re all a little nerdy in our own way – and for me, who’s always been that way, it feels natural and empowering to be in an environment where that’s seen as a strength.
What are you most proud of being part of?
I’m most proud of helping to build HiQ’s personnel security routines. HiQ made a conscious decision to invest in a thoughtful and sustainable process, rather than rushing consultants into assignments without proper vetting. At a time when many consulting firms try to sidestep their security responsibilities, we’ve chosen to take ours seriously – both in respect to our clients and to Sweden’s national security.
Today, I feel proud seeing our consultants out on assignments, showing that protective security is a natural part of everyday work. It truly makes a difference.
How would you describe HiQ’s culture?
Open and curious – with a consistently positive vibe. We love to celebrate, both the big and the small wins, and there truly is a place for everyone here. It’s a culture where you can be yourself, where ideas are welcomed, and where community matters just as much as results.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What’s your “geeky passion”?
When I’m not working, I pack up my husband, our dog, and our carefully selected lightweight gear, and head out on an adventure with the rooftop tent. We chase mountain peaks to climb, stunning views to hike to, and places without mobile coverage – our latest trip was two magical weeks in the Lofoten Islands.
My geeky passion? Finding the best, lightest, and most affordable gear possible. There’s something special about living off what you carry on your back. And the places you get to see? I honestly don’t understand how anyone could ever be bored in a world this beautiful.