The Importance of Empathy in Security Awareness: Insights from Tim Dzierzek, CISO of Aya Healthcare

In this episode of Phishing for Answers, I sit down with Tim Dzierzek, CISO of Aya Healthcare, to explore the human side of cybersecurity and discuss the critical role empathy plays in driving effective security awareness programs.

One key point Tim emphasized is the importance of moving away from the outdated notion that employees are the weakest link in cybersecurity. Instead, Tim views employees as critical assets—akin to “human intrusion detection systems.” They see things cybersecurity teams might miss, making their involvement and training pivotal to a company’s defense strategy.

We also dove into the need to shift from a “gotcha” mentality in phishing simulations to one that focuses on learning and growth. Tim stressed that phishing training should not be about tricking employees but about helping them recognize core red flags in a supportive environment. When organizations create punitive training environments, it can lead to a phenomenon known as learned helplessness, which can make employees less secure.

Tim also discussed the evolution of security training from long, exhaustive sessions to shorter, more focused segments—highlighting how the fast-paced, high-pressure environments we work in today demand bite-sized training that’s more relevant and frequent.

Finally, Tim and I explored the future of cybersecurity, particularly in the age of AI. He shared his vision of how AI could accelerate the delivery of customized security training, tailored to specific roles and updated in real time based on the latest threats. The ability to quickly create and deploy focused, department-specific training is something Tim sees as critical to building a more resilient workforce.

This episode serves as a reminder that the heart of any security awareness program is people. Empathy, tailored training, and recognizing that everyone plays a part are key to building a strong, human-centered security culture.

Takeaways:

• Shift your mindset: Employees are not the weakest link; they are assets in your defense.

• Ditch the “gotcha” mentality in phishing simulations. Focus on learning and support.

• Adopt shorter, more focused training that fits into the modern workday.

• Leverage AI to deliver customized, real-time training that evolves with new threats.
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#PhishFirewall #SecurityAwareness #CybersecurityTraining #HumanCenteredSecurity #CISOInsights

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