building respect in cybersecurity teams
Only Phools Phall Phor Phishing
Think of some of the greatest teams in history. Whether on the sports field or in the workplace, these teams succeed not because every member has the same talent or strengths but because they work together, respecting each other’s roles and skills. In cybersecurity, we should aim to build a similarly resilient team. When we think about phishing protection and dealing with cyber threats, we need a layered approach. However, many security teams, unfortunately, adopt a “blame the user” mindset, which can tear apart the fabric of teamwork, trust, and defense against cyber threats.
Phishing, one of the most common cyber threats, highlights this challenge perfectly. Most attacks trick users into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information, often by exploiting trust and curiosity. With each year, these attacks evolve, becoming more sophisticated. Yet, instead of supporting users who fall victim, security teams often criticize them, viewing user error as a weakness rather than an opportunity for growth. This blog discusses why a more supportive approach toward users is crucial and how “Sh*t Got Real” (SuGaR) training can make a difference.
Phishing Attacks are Evolving – And Anyone Can Fall for One
Today, cyber threats abound and phishing is more dangerous than ever. Attackers have advanced tactics, blending clever social engineering and technical tricks. What once might have been a poorly spelled email full of obvious red flags has transformed into sophisticated, well-crafted messages. A subscription to tools like Grammarly allows attackers to fine-tune their language, making their messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones.
This evolution poses a challenge. Even tech-savvy individuals can struggle to identify a phishing attempt. In one case, a security director was embarrassed after falling for a phishing simulation he had organized himself. The email baited him with something he valued, and his human curiosity took over. This incident was a reminder that phishing attacks play on basic human tendencies, like trust and curiosity, which are natural traits in any person.
A crucial point here is that phishing succeeds by exploiting our social nature. The more an attacker knows about you—your habits, interests, and what matters to you—the more convincing their approach can become. Phishing is fundamentally about social engineering, and as technology advances, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern a fake message from a legitimate one.
Why Blame Doesn’t Build a Strong Cybersecurity Team
The usual response after a phishing incident often involves pointing fingers. I’ve seen security teams dissect a phishing email that fooled a user, spending hours finding subtle clues that it was fake. But if it takes an experienced professional an hour to unravel these clues, how could a non-technical user detect it? Criticizing users for failing to spot these tricks only erodes their trust and damages team morale.
Think of the typical phishing email formats: a QuickBooks invoice that looks legitimate or an O365 credential request that seems authentic. These messages often pass all the initial “checks” that users are trained to perform. Users may already feel anxious about making a mistake, and a critical response only worsens their experience. Instead of building resilience, this blame-based approach creates an atmosphere where users are less likely to report suspicious emails. They fear judgment rather than seeking help.
For a strong cybersecurity posture, we must embrace a mindset of user respect. Treating users as valuable members of the defense team rather than weak links can enhance overall security. When users feel trusted, they become more proactive and careful, which helps reduce the likelihood of falling for phishing schemes.
Sh*t Got Real (SuGaR) Training: Turning Mistakes into Learning Moments
What can we do to shift the narrative? One effective approach is SuGaR training—where “Sh*t Got Real.” This type of training capitalizes on moments when a user’s experience with phishing becomes personal and impactful. Instead of berating someone for clicking a phishing link, SuGaR training transforms the incident into a lesson. The goal is to create a supportive environment where mistakes lead to growth, not shame.
At Amazon, we had a “Correction of Error” (COE) process, which took negative outcomes and used them to drive improvements. In COE, those involved in an error didn’t hide from their mistakes. They engaged directly, contributing to solutions that helped prevent future incidents. This hands-on approach created a sense of ownership and unity within the team. People didn’t feel sidelined or criticized—they felt valuable, like an essential part of the company’s security strategy.
Bringing SuGaR training to cybersecurity means treating phishing incidents not as failures but as learning experiences. Users who fall for phishing schemes can play an active role in understanding what happened and help find ways to avoid similar incidents in the future. By involving users in these solutions, security teams strengthen the “Kevlar” of their organization’s defenses, creating a unified team where every member has a role in cybersecurity.
Building a Culture of Respect Leads to Stronger Security
Preventing phishing isn’t about creating foolproof users—it’s about creating a culture of respect and proactive learning. When someone clicks on a phishing link, the last thing they need is a lecture or judgment. They already feel terrible. Instead, use the incident as a springboard for SuGaR training. Encourage the individual to share their experience openly, so others can learn too. Support and respect foster an environment where everyone feels safe to report suspicious activity.
With phishing evolving into a multifaceted cyber threat, our response as security professionals must also evolve. Blame-based reactions only lead to secrecy and fear, while respect-based responses build trust and teamwork. Remember, cybersecurity is as much about human behavior as it is about technical tools. A collaborative, respectful team is more resilient and effective than one fragmented by judgment and blame.
PHISH360: Real-Time Protection with Respect
At PhishCloud, we understand the critical role of user respect in cybersecurity. Our PHISH360 platform provides real-time protection, empowering users without adding fear to the mix. We offer training that adapts to actual threats users encounter, fostering a culture where learning and support drive security and combine that with our reality-based cybersecurity training. With PHISH360, organizations gain a tool that’s not just about preventing clicks on malicious links. It’s about creating a cohesive, informed team ready to face evolving phishing threats together.
In closing, next time someone in your organization clicks a suspicious link, resist the urge to blame. Instead, see it as an opportunity to strengthen your security team. In cybersecurity, empathy and respect are just as important as any technical tool. And with a supportive team, your organization is better protected against the ever-growing threat of phishing.
