Cyber Empathy
Andra Zaharia
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Top 10 Cyber Empathy Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Cyber Empathy episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Cyber Empathy for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Cyber Empathy episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Rethinking communication in the cybersecurity space
Cyber Empathy
10/18/22 • 39 min
One of the biggest barriers to promoting safe practices in cyberspace is attitude – both from users and from specialists in the industry.
People who’ve never experienced a cyberattack have a difficult time understanding the need for taking precautions in their digital lives because the consequences are abstract and far removed from their daily lives. This is absolutely natural given information security has been around for a second compared to human evolution.
Most people see best practices as an unnecessary burden they don’t have time for. That’s why those in the cybersecurity space need to empathize with each user to be able to help and support them effectively.
Our guest today is Joe Giddens, the Director of Content & Communication at CybSafe – a company focused on lowering human cyber risk by educating, nudging, and supporting teams. He’ll help us understand the communication challenge in the cybersecurity space.
In this episode, you’ll hear about Joe’s experience in law enforcement and how he ended up in cybersecurity. You’ll also learn how familiarization makes it more difficult for experts in our industry to show empathy. Additionally, you’ll find out some honest, hard truths about practicing empathy in helping people acquire the digital security skills they need – and why they need them
In this episode, you will learn:
- Joe’s experience in law enforcement and the impact it had on him (04:08)
- How Joe ended up in cybersecurity (10:11)
- Why desensitization is a big challenge to overcome (15:08)
- An overview of CybSafe’s Oh Behave! The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2022 (23:15)
- The negative impact of learned helplessness (29:36)
Connect with Joe:
Let’s connect!
Cybersecurity - A designer’s perspective
Cyber Empathy
11/16/21 • 22 min
Cyber security goes beyond protecting your digital assets!
The unique part of cybersecurity is that the more you know about it, the less secure you feel. This can limit your digital experience and even cause anxiety because you constantly feel exposed to invisible threats.
Design and user experience make a substantial contribution to making online security and privacy easier to understand and manage. Visual cues and certain types of interactions with websites, apps, and other digital products teach us what a safe experience looks and feels like. With these habits formed, we can identify when something goes amiss so we can spot the threat and act with caution.
Today I’m joined by Lucian Grofsonean, brand strategist and brand designer who developed the visual identity for this podcast. I’m very glad to have Lucian as a guest in his very first podcast interview. He’ll share with us his perspective on Cyber Empathy as an industry outsider and the inspiration behind the inspired designs that he created.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the challenges Lucian encountered while trying to integrate empathy and cybersecurity, two notions that, at first glance, seem to have nothing in common. You’ll also get to hear about this important topic from an outsider’s perspective. Lastly, you’ll hear about a real-life story on a cybersecurity breach and the impact it had on the targeted company, as well as its users.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The challenges faced when trying to combine cybersecurity and empathy into a coherent and appealing visual identity (04:12)
- The inspiration behind the podcast’s brand design (06:34)
- How empathy goes a long way in every company (11:08)
- How adding extra layers of security to a platform impacts the users (15:58)
Resources:
Connect with Lucian:
Let’s connect!
04/02/24 • 58 min
Whenever someone says humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity, besides educating through fear, they are crafting a narrative, creating a reality in people's heads, and making them feel helpless against cyber criminals.
My guest, Lianne Potter, feels utterly differently about how to educate people on cybersecurity. Instead of fear, she advocates for empowering them through trust, autonomy, and, above all things, reciprocity.
Lianne is a Cyber Anthropologist, Head of Security Operations at Asda, a published author, host of the Compromising Positions podcast, keynote speaker, and multi-award-winning cybersecurity specialist. She recently won Computing.com's Security Specialist of the Year award, and, in 2021, she was named one of the Security Leaders of the Year and Woman of the Year in the Enterprise category.
This conversation is yet another opportunity to discover the dedication, kindness, and thoughtfulness that brought Lianne all these well-deserved achievements.
Throughout our conversation, she brought her brilliant and unique vision of cybersecurity. We discussed cybersecurity's own microculture in the tech space, its rituals and habits, and how cybersecurity specialists can transform how they educate the people they serve.
Lianne proposed brilliant ideas like ritualizing protection, empowering people through trust and autonomy instead of micromanaging and fear, cultivating the' hero mentality, and more.
Episode highlights:
- The moment Lianne fell in love with cybersecurity (6:40)
- What makes cybersecurity's micro-culture so attractive (10:20)
- The 3 main traits of cybersecurity (14:30)
- Why reciprocity is crucial in cybersecurity (17:20)
- Why trust and autonomy are the biggest gifts cybersecurity can offer (20:00)
- Lianne’s experience with joining her first cybersecurity team (26:30)
- The importance of how we communicate things (37:10)
- Why educating through fear never works (42:00)
Resources Mentioned:
- Lianne on LinkedIn
- Lianne on Twitter / X
- The Compromising Positions podcast
- Lianne on Tom Eston’s Shared Security Podcast
- What is a Cyber Anthropologist? Lianne Potter on The Brainy Business Podcast
- Wearables, Shareables, Unbearables - The IoT and AI Tech Nobody Asked For but Cybercriminals Love!
Let's connect!
A hacker's guide to changing the world
Cyber Empathy
03/19/24 • 43 min
Joshua Corman is a security strategist, philosopher, and co-founder of I am The Cavalry, a collective of professionals from technology, law, and public policy who work to mitigate the impact software-enabled and always-connected devices have on public safety and human life.
We had a deeply moving conversation about Joshua's influential work in cybersecurity, the birth of I Am The Cavalry, and his experiences navigating tough life transitions.
Using his masterful ability to capture thoughts, feelings, and experiences, Joshua brings to life the essence of building genuine connections, fostering trust, and caring deeply for others - and the role these play in using cybersecurity for a worthy goal.
Episode Highlights:
- Joshua shares a valuable lesson a stranger taught him about empathy (3:10)
- About the feeling that gave birth to I Am The Cavalry (8:00)
- Why bother? Because we want to be safer sooner (15:40)
- There's nothing more intoxicating than having an impact, material progress, and tangible wins (22:40)
- What is the next wave of empathy in cybersecurity (28:20)
- You don't need to be famous to make the world better (36:40)
Resources Mentioned:
- I Am The Cavalry website
- I Am The Cavalry Twitter
- I Am The Cavalry - Hippocratic Oath for Connected Medical Devices
- Swimming with sharks - security in the Internet of Things: Joshua Corman at TEDx Naperville
- Jack Daniel's LinkedIn profile
- Beau Woods's website
- Claus Cramon Houmann's LinkedIn profile
- Cyber Summit 2020: Opening Remarks from Josh Corman
- 10 Years After...My Thoughts on Josh Corman's BSides Las Vegas 2023 Keynote
- Everclear - Heartspark Dollarsign
- BSides Las Vegas
- ShmooCon
Connect with Joshua:
Let's connect!
03/15/22 • 39 min
In the world of cybersecurity, not all information is power.
In fact, “only the right amount of the right information is power.” Too much information can easily lead to sensationalization of the threat and this can overwhelm even the most concerned audience. Bewildered people rarely consider actionable steps that can improve their security posture, because they have to use their resources to make sense of all the details coming towards them.
That’s why leaders in the cybersecurity community need to take an empathetic approach while disseminating information on the platforms available to them. It shouldn’t be about getting the most attention - it should be about creating a far-reaching positive impact.
Our guest today is Baptiste Robert, a cybersecurity expert and founder of Predicta Lab, where he focuses on fighting disinformation. He’s been an active contributor to the field for many years and has a lot of experience on the best way to identify and counter disinformation tactics.
In this episode, you’ll learn about how Baptiste practices empathy in his role as an ethical hacker and the area of impact he has chosen to concentrate on. You’ll also learn some important tips that can help you in identifying online scammers and misinformation. Additionally, he’ll share with us one of his success stories and the impact he hopes to have on the cybersecurity community.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How Baptiste uses empathy to fight disinformation (01:12)
- How he finds the balance between being informed and avoiding overwhelm (05:13)
- Most people’s reaction when they realize they’ve been attacked (16:45)
- Tips to detect and avoid scammers online (23:44)
Resources
- OSINT - Open Source Intelligence (cybersecurity term)
- MICE framework (cybersecurity term)
- Baptiste Robert, le hacker toulousain qui vous veut du bien
Connect with Baptiste Robert:
Connect with Dave:
Connect with Andra:
02/20/24 • 51 min
How many accounts on different websites do you have?
Sharing our personal information online as a condition to access content has become a reflex. We hit the "I've read and agree to the terms and conditions" button without thinking about it. In fact, only a handful would notice if anything else is written in that box.
Yet things are starting to change; those worried about data privacy aren't only hackers anymore. The wave of awareness that questions what companies do with the personal information we share with them has started spreading to every corner of the cybersphere.
My guest, the brilliant and passionate Merry Marwig, is optimistic about the future of the data privacy landscape and believes it is already going through a positive transformation.
Merry is a Volunteer Advisor at The Plunk Foundation, a Privacy Consultant at DataGrail, and, as you'll see throughout our conversation, overly excited about data privacy tech.
Merry's thoughts on the evolution of data privacy programs stay firmly rooted in the reality of her research and data-driven approach, factors which also fuel the change seeping into people's perception over these issues, and the link between privacy and security.
With Merry’s help, you’ll also understand the emotional toll privacy harms have on you, me, and everyone else, and how ethical use of consumers' information can actually boost a company's growth, plus much more.
Episode highlights:
- How privacy and security are different, but related (1:20)
- The emotional toll of privacy harms (6:50)
- Understanding how our data gets resold online (15:10)
- Why now is the right time to do the right thing about data privacy (17:20)
- How younger generations see data privacy (24:40)
- Why privacy is part of our culture (29:30)
- How our understanding of privacy is deepening (38:50)
- Why even marketers are moving to privacy (46:40)
Connect with Merry:
Let's connect!
03/05/24 • 48 min
Javvad is a brilliant Security Awareness Advocate, Speaker, sharp industry commentator, and one of the most prolific bloggers in the community. His natural talent for making the cybersecurity industry's most technical and complicated matters easy to understand is a gift and an inspiration.
Join me as Javvad masterfully dissects the negativity and the rationalization bias, using brilliant analogies to explain the disconnect between cybersecurity specialists' expectations and people’s responses to digital challenges.
And, if you’re up for it, help us answer this question: how can we make cybersecurity fun for people?
PS: This is not my AI-generated voice, but rather my adapter-damaged one. I only noticed the terrible quality after the recording, so please bear with me - or just skip to Javvad's parts, which are flawless!
Episode Highlights:
- What we really need to be teaching people about cybersecurity (4:50)
- How to deal with the curse of knowledge (10:10)
- The best way to keep cybersecurity connected to people's realities (19:20)
- How to rebrand the cybersecurity team - and why we need this (24:10)
- The problem with rational thinking (28:30)
- Why cybersecurity is evolving beyond tech-focused conversations (38:50)
Resources:
- Book - Javvad Malik - 50 Ways To Survive & Thrive In Cybersecurity
Connect with Javvad:
Let's connect!
01/23/24 • 48 min
I’ve had dozens of conversations exploring the need for empathy and compassion in cybersecurity, from supporting victims of cybercrime to acknowledging the data we protect are not numbers on a screen but real people’s experiences.
Yet the transformation empathy is capable of goes way beyond cybersecurity. It seeps into the teams and companies we build, the relationships we influence through technology, it guides leadership, and so much more!
That’s why I’m delighted to open Season 5 of Cyber Empathy with a trailblazer in the community, known for his generosity, empathy, and honesty.
Vivek Ramachandran, Founder of SquareX, joins me to discuss the importance of optimism, perseverance, compassion, and vulnerability and their instrumental role in every aspect of his life.
Discover how Vivek's commitment to accessible education and his genuine desire to help others have shaped his career and inspired the entire offensive security community (and continues to do so).
Listen as Vivek recounts personal stories, including the astonishing support he received when transitioning a personal project into a full-time venture, and the profound impact of his empathetic approach on individuals and teams across the world.
This conversation sets the tone for this new season in which we’ll dive even deeper into the layers of our humanity and how they shape technology and the way we show up for ourselves and others.
Tune in to explore:
- Why people tend to give back when the opportunity arises (11:10)
- How to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic when it is challenging to be it (18:40)
- How to carve time for yourself when building a company and doing deep research in cybersecurity (25:00)
- How Vivek balances accountability, flexibility, and trust at SquareX (29:50)
- The role empathy plays in Vivek’s SquareX and other tech companies (37:50)
Connect with Vivek:
Let's connect!
Cybersecurity tips for small business owners
Cyber Empathy
02/22/22 • 32 min
Reality check: most cyberattacks and privacy infringements are not a result of sophisticated hacking done by malicious adversaries who want to hold your system hostage or steal all your data. They result from the victim falling into a criminal's trap by clicking on “interesting” malicious links or (re)using weak credentials all over their online accounts.
Most people who aren’t in tech won’t even know their device was attacked or their credentials stolen.
In fact, a majority of infringements on users' privacy and security are not noticeable at the moment they occur. You only perceive it later, when you get bombarded with unwanted emails, tracking-enabled newsletters, and targeted ads on your timeline, among others.
The good news is there are a few basic steps you can take to significantly bolster your security posture across all your devices and digital footprint.
If you are a business owner, this would substantially increase the protection of your business assets, including your clients’ valuable data. It’s also an opportunity to practice empathy towards those who are a critical part of your business. (We’ll show you how.)
Inspired by our experience in the field of cybersecurity, privacy, and the technology we use, we share some tips you can implement to increase your business’ safety.
In this episode, we break down common beliefs business owners have over the issues of privacy and cybersecurity. You’ll also learn how a password manager and two-factor authentication can reduce the risk of your accounts being illegally accessed. Additionally, we’ll explain why you should only collect the data you absolutely need from your clients.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Misconceptions many business owners have around privacy and cybersecurity (03:42)
- Three principles that will lead to a safer and more ethical behavior (08:55)
- Why you should get a password manager (13:16)
- The importance of two-factor authentication (15:01)
- Why you should avoid collecting more data than you need (24:21)
Resources:
- Fathom Analytics (Website analytics tool)
- Rose Wintle (Website)
- Authy (2-factor authentication tool)
- Easy Data Protection Guide
- No To Spy Pixels
Connect with Dave:
Connect with Andra:
02/14/23 • 41 min
Poor communication is a major roadblock in getting people to adopt cyber-safe habits. It also created a major disconnect between information security specialists and the people they serve.
For instance, threat-filled emails with a negative or sometimes threatening tone only confuse non-IT experts who need simple explanations and psychological safety to learn.
This makes empathy essential in the cybersecurity space because it’s a constant reminder that things which are quick and easy for technical specialists can be complex and unnecessary to people with a different background.
By revamping security training and communication, we can make people feel comfortable with digital security practices and appreciated for their continued efforts. This is the most effective way to encourage compliance with safety measures such as strong passwords and secure document handling.
Leading organizations and their leaders through this change takes a special kind of person.
Today, we're thrilled to welcome Ceri Jones, Head of Security Awareness & Community at Lego, to the podcast!
Ceri is a brilliant specialist who turns research from multiple fields into real-world tactics that build security-focused internal cultures. With over a decade of experience in people-focused security and awareness, Ceri is a true champion of positive security and language. She's a firm believer in fresh approaches to security awareness that “make security more approachable, conscious and considerate.“
Tune in to:
- discover why companies need to embrace positive language in their cybersecurity communications
- learn how heavy cognitive load affects people's response to security best practices, and
- get inspired by the positive changes happening in the exciting world of cybersecurity.
In this episode we cover:
- The power of positive language in cyber defense (05:09)
- A winning case of cyber-positivity straight from Ceri’s experience (12:35)
- The personal drive behind Ceri's journey in cybersecurity (18:07)
- The brain-drain effect on cyber safety measures (22:24)
- Positive changes shaping the future of cybersecurity (29:58)
Connect with Ceri:
Let’s connect!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Cyber Empathy have?
Cyber Empathy currently has 46 episodes available.
What topics does Cyber Empathy cover?
The podcast is about Information Security, Empathy, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Technology, Education and Cybersecurity.
What is the most popular episode on Cyber Empathy?
The episode title 'A hacker's guide to changing the world' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Cyber Empathy?
The average episode length on Cyber Empathy is 40 minutes.
How often are episodes of Cyber Empathy released?
Episodes of Cyber Empathy are typically released every 13 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Cyber Empathy?
The first episode of Cyber Empathy was released on Oct 26, 2021.
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