Jessica Barker: The importance of cybersecurity culture and awareness

About The Guest:
Jessica Barker is a cybersecurity expert and co-founder of Cygenta, a company that focuses on the human, technical, and physical aspects of cybersecurity. With a background in sociology and civic design, Jessica brings a unique perspective to the field of cybersecurity. She is the co-author of "Cybersecurity ABCs" and "Confident Cybersecurity," and is currently working on her upcoming book, "Hacked."

Summary:
In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, host Phillip Wylie interviews cybersecurity expert Jessica Barker. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity culture, the role of social engineering in cybersecurity, and the impact of simulated phishing exercises. Jessica emphasizes the need for organizations to create a positive and empowering cybersecurity culture that focuses on self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. She also highlights the value of culture assessments in understanding an organization's cybersecurity culture and making informed improvements. Throughout the conversation, Jessica shares insights and practical tips for raising cybersecurity awareness and building a strong security culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Cybersecurity culture is crucial for organizations to effectively defend against social engineering attacks.
• Simulated phishing exercises can be valuable in raising awareness and improving cybersecurity behaviors, but they should be implemented in a supportive and non-punitive manner.
• Rewards and recognition can be effective motivators for encouraging positive cybersecurity behaviors.
• Culture assessments provide valuable insights into an organization's cybersecurity culture and help identify areas for improvement.
• Empathy and understanding are essential in cybersecurity awareness and culture-building efforts.

Quotes:

• "The most influential factor when raising awareness is harnessing self-efficacy." - Jessica Barker
• "The right fish at the wrong time can catch anyone." - Jessica Barker
• "Creating a safe space for employees to express their concerns and ask questions is crucial for building a positive cybersecurity culture." - Jessica Barker

Socials and Resources:

https://twitter.com/drjessicabarker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-barker/

https://www.cygenta.co.uk/