Up Next @ Work, Episode 18 with Julie Pridham of Valimail

In this episode, host Jeanne Achille of The Devon Group joins Julie Pridham of Valimail to explore the growing threats businesses face from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Jeanne and Julie discuss how cybercriminals exploit human error to gain access to sensitive information and why organizations must integrate security into their culture and business strategy. Julie shares insights on how businesses can strengthen their defenses, from technical controls like email authentication and password management to fostering a culture of trust and awareness among employees. The two also dive into the risks posed by disgruntled former employees, the importance of HR and IT collaboration, and how companies—regardless of industry—can scale their security measures effectively. Conversation highlights include: Cybersecurity as a Trust Issue – Protecting employee and customer data is critical for maintaining trust within an organization. A strong security culture reduces both internal and external threats. Human Error is the Weakest Link – About 68% of data breaches stem from unsuspecting employees clicking on malicious links or failing to follow security protocols, highlighting the need for better training and awareness. Technical Controls Strengthen Security – Businesses can implement measures like email authentication, password managers, and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access and minimize risks. Whether you're an HR professional, IT leader, or business owner, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to protect your organization and its people in an increasingly digital world. To learn more from Julie, connect with her on LinkedIn.