TECH TALK Confessions of a Cybersecurity Pro WHO FAILED A PHISHING TEST I considered agreeing to a post-phish interview only if the lights were dim, my voice was gravelly, and my silhouette appeared in profile, like an anonymous source in a documentary about international espionage. Picture it: The camera pans across the darkened room, my identity shrouded in mystery as I confess, “Yes, it’s true. I clicked on a phishing email. I did the thing. Please, never show my face to the IT department again.” All that was missing was dramatic background music and an on-screen subtitle: “Phishing Victim, Security Professional.” But there’s power in stepping out of the shadows and owning these moments, no matter how mortifying. We build resilience not by pretending mistakes don’t happen, but by recognizing they can happen to anyone, at any time. It’s through sharing our stories, stripped of anonymity and shame, that we foster understanding and collective vigilance. The Value of Regular Phishing Assessments Before I recount the moment I fell for the bait, it’s worth reflecting on why companies conduct phishing assessments in the first place. No amount of training alone can guarantee immunity, as hackers are always adapting. That’s why organizations, mine included, have made regular phishing simulations a cornerstone of their security strategy. These tests aren’t meant to embarrass or punish. Instead, they serve as real-world reality checks, revealing subtle vulnerabilities that creep in when we least expect them. Routine phishing tests help employees practice vigilance safely, sharpen their instincts and keep everyone alert to the latest tactics. Every misstep becomes a learning moment, cultivating a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Julia Miller, Marketing Manager SBS CyberSecurity 14 NEBRASKA BANKER
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