2024 LinkedIn Rewind Analysis

Coauthor Studio analyzed my LinkedIn posts, professional profile, audience, and writing style to create a personalized year-in-review post and highlights card. The results are as follows:

2024 wasn’t just another year in cybersecurity — it was a masterclass in organizational resilience. When Anydesk’s massive security breach hit, it wasn’t just a technical problem; it was a wake-up call about how quickly our digital infrastructures can become vulnerable. Throughout 2024 I learned that true security isn’t about perfect systems — it’s about adaptive leadership and continuous learning. Three moments crystallized this year’s lessons: • Anydesk Security Alert: Proactive threat identification saves organizations. “Any organization that has any connection with Anydesk needs to kill all instances of Anydesk and start looking for breach.” https://lnkd.in/eHntmmwY • Mental Health in Security: Our greatest vulnerability isn’t in our networks, but in our people. “Positions in cybersecurity, cyber intelligence, and IT fields are renowned for their demanding and stressful nature.” https://lnkd.in/eAvtZ3qD • Continuous Vigilance: Cybersecurity isn’t a month — it’s a mindset. “Cybersecurity Month is Great, But We Need Vigilance All Year Long!” https://lnkd.in/e_9tG9_v Strategic initiatives like our Help Desk replacement and new imaging platform weren’t just technical upgrades — they were resilience builders. Each project reinforced that technology transforms when human insight guides it. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m seeking a senior technology leadership role where I can continue bridging technical expertise with strategic vision. For my fellow cybersecurity professionals: our greatest asset isn’t our tools, but our ability to adapt, learn, and protect. hashtag#cybersecurity hashtag#infosec hashtag#ITsecurity hashtag#LinkedInRewind hashtag#Coauthor hashtag#2024wrapped https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7278587276664664064-u7wB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Selling Fear: The Impact of media sensationalism on information security

Selling Fear: The Impact of media sensationalism on information security

In today's media landscape, incidents related to information security often find themselves under the spotlight. However, I've seen instances where the media outlets sometimes amplify these incidents, making them appear more severe than they actually are. This phenomenon not only misinforms the public but also has broader implications on society's perception of information security threats.

 

The coverage of the very recent "Mother Of All Breaches" is a prime example of this overhype and sensationalism. Scary and overblown headlines that imply something far removed from the actual reality of the situation. Two examples of this overhype are:

https://cybernews.com/security/billions-passwords-credentials-leaked-mother-of-all-breaches/

https://nypost.com/2024/01/23/lifestyle/extremely-dangerous-leak-reveals-26-billion-account-records-stolen-from-twitter-linkedin-more-mother-of-all-breaches/

One key reason behind media sensationalism is the pursuit of higher viewership and increased engagement. Dramatizing information security incidents tends to grab attention, but it can inadvertently contribute to unnecessary fear and anxiety among the general public. When incidents are blown out of proportion, individuals may become more paranoid and skeptical about the safety of their personal data, leading to an erosion of trust in digital systems.

Moreover, the constant barrage of sensationalized stories may result in a desensitized audience. If every incident is portrayed as a catastrophic event, individuals may start to tune out, dismissing genuine concerns as just another media exaggeration. This desensitization could hinder the public's ability to differentiate between minor security breaches and more critical threats, ultimately diminishing the impact of valid warnings.

The consequences of media sensationalism extend beyond the individual level. Exaggerated reporting can fuel a climate of fear that influences policy decisions and regulatory measures. Governments may be pressured to enact stringent laws based on public outcry, potentially sacrificing a balanced approach to cybersecurity in favor of reactionary measures. This knee-jerk response can lead to policies that infringe on privacy rights without necessarily enhancing overall security.

In summary, media sensationalism surrounding information security incidents has the potential to create unnecessary fear and anxiety. Striking a balance between informing the public and avoiding exaggeration is crucial to fostering a healthy understanding of cybersecurity challenges. It is imperative for media outlets to exercise responsibility in their reporting, ensuring that the public remains informed without being unduly alarmed by the constant barrage of sensationalized stories.

John

Deep Fake Scams On The Rise. Preparing Your Loved Ones

This was inspired by the following news article:

"Frightening new scam uses A.I. to convince loved ones are being held at gunpoint" 

CNY Central: Frightening New Scam Uses A.I.

“Deep Fakes” are a type of scam that use artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM) to create fake videos, images, or audio recordings that appear to be real. These scams can be used to manipulate people into believing something that isn’t true, such as a friend or loved one being held for ransom. Abhorrent thought i know. The technology behind “Deep Fakes” is constantly evolving and improving, which makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. Scammers can use this technology to create convincing fake content that can be used to spread misinformation, steal personal information, or even extort money from unsuspecting victims.

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with “Deep Fakes” and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Some ways to stay safe include being cautious about what you share online, verifying the authenticity of any content before sharing it, and using reputable sources for news and information. Additionally, if you or your loved ones plan to travel abroad or to areas that are known to have organized criminals operating, it might be a good idea to develop “safe words” or “safe phrases” in advance of the trip. These can be as simple as mentioning “hay fever” and should be low-key but stand out to whomever is receiving the message. They can be used to determine the authenticity of a call, video, or other communication.

I hope this helps you and the ones you love. 

John