What happens after an employee clicks on a phishing link? Jason Hoenich (hey-nick), the self-proclaimed "Security Awareness Apologist," believes that's where the real education begins. Drawing from his experiences at major entertainment companies like Disney and Sony, Jason shares how live hacking demonstrations where employees witness real-time compromises create powerful, unforgettable learning moments.

The conversation dives deep into why traditional security awareness approaches fall short. While phishing simulations and generic training modules check compliance boxes, they rarely drive meaningful behavior change. The most effective programs go beyond making people aware of threats—they make secure behaviors easy and intuitive while building a security-conscious culture from the ground up.

One of Jason's most compelling insights revolves around relationship-building. Security awareness professionals who form strategic partnerships with HR, Legal, and Corporate Communications unlock unprecedented program potential. These connections transform potential roadblocks into champions who help tailor messaging and navigate brand considerations when creating engaging content.

Security champion programs emerge as another powerful strategy for organizations with global or diverse workforces. By identifying influencers throughout different business units and locations, security teams can extend their reach and ensure messaging resonates across various cultures and job functions. These champions provide invaluable feedback while translating technical concepts into language that connects with their colleagues.

The future of human risk management lies in personalization and actionable insights. Rather than just identifying risky behaviors, advanced tools should offer immediate remediation options—imagine a system that not only alerts an employee to unsecured files but offers a one-click solution to fix the vulnerability instantly.

Ready to transform your security awareness program? Start by assessing your program's maturity and developing a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond basic tools. Remember Jason's advice: "Strategy, strategy, strategy. If you don't have one, work on it." Your journey toward meaningful security awareness begins with this episode.

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Meet the Security Awareness Apologist

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