Stagnation Fuels Breaches ⚠️

Let's start with phishing, the perennial king of cyber threats. It's arguably responsible for 90% of breaches and continues to evolve. Yet, the tools we use to fight it remain largely unchanged. Legacy email security gateways and outdated phishing simulations dominate the landscape. These solutions might catch a few bad emails, but they miss the mark on solving the real issue: human error.

Think about it. We've solved spelling and grammar with autocorrect. We have GPS to guide us when navigating our cars. AI can even help us write concisely and clearly so we can make a point instead of talking in circles. But when it comes to phishing, we're still expected to check email headers and look for misspelled words to spot threats? Come on!

Attackers constantly adapt, finding new ways to bypass filters and exploit user trust. Meanwhile, organizations rely on the same basic cybersecurity training programs they've been using for 20 years. Generic, one-size-fits-all training might check the compliance box, but it doesn't prepare users for real-world threats.

The issues with cybersecurity training go far beyond phishing. Many programs feel outdated, recycling tired content with a fresh coat of paint. They focus on basics like password hygiene and spotting laughable fake emails while ignoring the sophisticated tactics attackers use today. Even "new" training modules often rely on gamification, cartoons, or humorous videos. Sure, these might hold attention briefly, but they fail to prepare employees to defend against modern cyber threats effectively.

The deeper issue is the mindset around training. For many, it's just an interruption, a compliance checkbox in an already busy workday. Until this cultural mindset shifts, cybersecurity training will remain an unwelcome distraction instead of the proactive defense it should be.

Modern training must go beyond the basics. It should be interactive, personalized, and tied to real-world scenarios. For example, incorporating tailored phishing simulations can help employees connect the training directly to threats they face in their daily roles. When training feels relevant, employees engage with it as a practical skill, not a chore.

If phishing and cybersecurity training are old problems with stale solutions, operational technology (OT) security is the next frontier, and we're woefully unprepared. OT systems are the backbone of critical infrastructure, including power grids, manufacturing plants, and water treatment facilities. They weren't designed with cybersecurity in mind, yet they're increasingly connected to IT networks, making them prime targets for attackers.

The consequences of an OT breach are far more severe than a typical data breach. We're talking about threats to public safety, economic stability, and even national security. Despite this, OT cybersecurity remains underfunded and understaffed. Organizations struggle to secure aging systems that can't be patched or taken offline for updates.

What's worse, many companies underestimate the risk. OT environments often lack the visibility and monitoring tools needed to detect cyber threats. Attackers, meanwhile, are getting more creative, leveraging these vulnerabilities to disrupt critical operations. The gap between OT security needs and current capabilities is growing, and it's only a matter of time before this gap leads to catastrophic consequences.

So, why are we stuck? Part of the problem is financial. There's a staggering amount of money tied to the way things currently are. Vendors have no incentive to innovate when legacy products still sell at high margins. They're profiting from tools designed decades ago, dressing them up with a new interface, and calling it progress. Without pressure to improve, many vendors stay comfortably in their lane.

Organizations, meanwhile, hesitate to invest in unproven technologies, even if those solutions promise better results. The familiar feels safer, even if it isn't effective. It's a vicious cycle: vendors offer incremental updates, and buyers accept them because they avoid the uncertainty of change.

Comfort zones also play a significant role. Many CISOs resist fighting for budgets to implement innovative solutions. Why? Because advocating for change takes effort, and it opens them up to scrutiny if results aren't immediate. Instead, they stick with what's "good enough," choosing to avoid the hassle of learning new tools or disrupting workflows.

The time for incremental improvement has passed. Cyber threats are evolving too quickly for us to keep using outdated strategies. It's time to challenge the status quo and embrace innovation in phishing protection, cybersecurity training, and OT security.

For phishing protection, this means investing in solutions that combine advanced technology with user education. Real-time training tied to actual phishing attempts can turn employees from weak links into strong defenders.

In cybersecurity training, it's time to ditch the checkbox mentality. Training must be dynamic, interactive, and tailored to each organization's unique threat landscape. Phishing simulations should reflect real-world scenarios, preparing users to face today's sophisticated attacks.

Finally, OT security needs a wake-up call. We can't afford to treat it as a niche issue. It's a critical component of modern cybersecurity, and it deserves the same attention and resources as IT security. This means proactive investment in monitoring, visibility, and incident response capabilities tailored to OT environments.