AI: The New Era of Cyber Threats - Dr. Sergio Sanchez - Guardians of the Data - Episode #18

Are your cybersecurity practices ready for the new era of AI-generated phishing, social engineering, and real-time deepfake attacks?

In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Dr. Sergio Sanchez, CIO of Coleman Health Services and former medical turned cybersecurity leader, breaks down the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven cyber threats. With more than 25 years in IT and security, Sergio brings a rare blend of technical insight, human understanding, and real-world experience. He digs into how AI is reshaping the attacker landscape, why non-technical employees are now prime targets, and what leaders must do today to prepare their organizations for the next wave of threats: from voice cloning and deepfake videos to hyper-personalized social engineering attacks. Sergio also shares his incredible personal journey from operating rooms in Mexico to managing technology for the Catholic Church across 50 states, to now securing one of the most mission-critical environments in healthcare.

Takeaways:

• Train Everyone, Not Just Leadership: Security awareness and training should include all employees, not just executives. Threat actors often target those with less technical knowledge.
• Emphasize Caution Before Clicking: Encourage a culture of "think before you click"; whether it’s a link in an email, a text, or a message from a familiar contact.
• Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA wherever possible, and educate users on alternatives if they don’t have access to a cell phone (e.g., voice call authentication).
• Verify Unusual Requests: Establish code words or secondary verification steps for sensitive requests, especially those involving money or confidential information even if the request appears to come from a trusted source.
• Recognize the Blending of Digital and Real Life: Remind everyone that even if they don’t use social media, their digital footprint (e.g., online banking, email) can still make them a target.
• Support Those Afraid of Technology: Offer extra help and patience to those who are “allergic to technology.” Their lack of comfort can make them prime targets.

Quote of the Show:

• “We are creating a monster that we are now giving the tools to destroy us.” - Dr. Sergio Sanchez

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sergio-e-sanchez/ 
• Website: https://www.colemanservices.org/ 
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-digital-curtain/id1829054726 

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