Why the Insider is the Biggest Data Security Threat - Rick Scot - Guardians of the Data - Episode #8

How does the accidental insider pose a threat to your company’s security?

Today, Ward dives deep into data security challenges with Rick Scot, the global CISO at Elevate Textiles. With almost 20 years of cybersecurity experience, Rick emphasizes the critical importance of addressing insider threats, especially those posed by well-meaning employees unaware of their risky actions. He shares real-world experiences, the evolution of cyber awareness training, the necessity of building strong internal relationships, and insights into his multifaceted career journey. The episode is packed with expert advice for cybersecurity professionals on fostering a culture of security within an organization and tips for young professionals to find a mentor.

 

Takeaways:

• Prioritize People in Data Security: Recognize that most data breaches are caused by insiders who make mistakes. Focus on educating and supporting employees to reduce accidental risks.
• Stay Vigilant Against Social Engineering: Be aware of sophisticated phishing and social engineering tactics, especially those leveraging personal information from social media and deepfakes. Always verify requests for sensitive information, even if they appear to come from trusted sources.
• Make Security Training Personal and Relevant: Move beyond generic, checkbox-style training. Tailor security awareness programs to real-life scenarios and make them relatable to employees’ daily experiences.
• Know Your Data and Its Value: Understand what data your organization holds, where it resides, and why it’s valuable. This knowledge is crucial for protecting sensitive information and responding to incidents.
• Build Relationships Across the Organization: Foster open communication and trust between security teams and other departments. Building relationships makes it easier for employees to ask questions and report suspicious activity.
• Balance Security and Trust: Implement necessary controls without creating a culture of distrust. Explain the “why” behind security measures to avoid alienating employees.
• Network and Seek Mentorship: Build a professional network inside and outside your organization. Seek mentors, and be open to mentoring others to grow your knowledge and resilience in the field.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I always feel like if I have the institutional knowledge, then I can better protect the company if I understand the business.” - Rick Scot

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksscot/ 
• Website: https://www.elevatetextiles.com/ 

For more insights on data loss prevention, visit: https://www.sentra.io/use-cases/data-loss-prevention

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