Beyond the Headlines: Reporting on Sensitive Cybersecurity Topics to Resonate with Everyone

*This episode contains content warnings of suicide and self-harm*

“It’s not about preventing something from happening, it’s being prepared for when it does.” This episode is filled with stories from the different scenarios that have been plaguing people with cyber security attacks.

Today’s guest is Kevin Collier, a cybersecurity reporter at NBC. He joins us to discuss his experiences covering cybersecurity stories for a mainstream audience. As the first and only dedicated cybersecurity reporter at NBC, Collier reflects on the evolving nature of media coverage in the cybersecurity space, emphasizing the increasing need for dedicated coverage in major news publications. He highlights the rise of scams facilitated through text messages, emails, and zero-day exploits, emphasizing the geopolitical circumstances that enable these threats, and also helping audiences understand the reality behind the cyber threats they face.

They also dive into:

• The poignant reporting process on a story of pig butchering scams
• The normalization of cyber threats, such as ransomware, and the role of the media in shaping public perception
• The process of convincing stakeholders to prioritize certain topics
• The emotional toll of reporting on sensitive cybersecurity topics and the importance of self-care in navigating this challenging intersection.

Resources mentioned: trigger warning for content of suicide and self-harm

“Online romance scams are netting millions of dollars — and pushing some to self-harm” by Kevin Collier

Discarded Episode with Tim Utzig

Colonial Pipeline Blog by CISA.gov







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