Why Security Matters: A Lesson from the Golf Course
The essence of our mission
Hello again, Mike Fitzpatrick here, your guide through the treacherous terrains of cybersecurity for Bite Size Security News. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a conversation that encapsulates the essence of our mission more vividly than any threat report could.
It unfolded on a seemingly serene golf course in Southern California against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. Dave, a fellow golfer and the owner of the golf course, with a portfolio as diversified as anyone I’ve known—spanning 30 businesses and luxurious homes in Utah, Newport Beach, and Mexico—posed a question that seemed to hang in the air longer than our drives. “Mike, in a world where I have so much to manage, why should cybersecurity be on my radar?”
Echoing President Reagan’s timeless advice, “Trust but verify,” I responded. “Dave, it’s about validating the information your trusted inner circle provides. Without verification, any misinformation, whether intentional or not, can fall squarely on you. And in today’s digital age, such oversights can jeopardize everything from your personal life to your professional empire.”
His next question was predictable yet profound, “What do you think my IT Manager will say about a security assessment?” My reply was straightforward, “He’ll likely assure you with a ‘Boss, I’ve got it covered.’
We completed our game, exchanging goodbyes, leaving Dave to mull over our conversation.
Three days later, Dave reached out, his tone a mix of revelation and resolve. “Mike, it’s time for that assessment. You were right about my IT Director—’Boss, I’ve got it covered,’ was precisely his first response.” That echo of our discussion was all Dave needed to realize the critical gap between perception and reality in his cybersecurity posture.
More Than Just A Cybersecurity Story
This story isn’t just an anecdote; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of due diligence in cybersecurity. For leaders everywhere, it illustrates three fundamental truths:
- Assumptions are the Achilles’ heel of security: Trusting without verifying can leave gaping vulnerabilities in your defenses.
- Complacency is contagious: The reassurance of “I’ve got it covered” is often a veneer hiding the complexities and challenges of true cybersecurity readiness.
- Action trumps inaction: The decision to review and assess your cybersecurity measures can be the difference between safeguarding your legacy and risking it all.
In sharing Dave’s pivot from skepticism to action, I urge you to reflect on your cybersecurity stance. Are you verifying as rigorously as you trust?
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P.S. If Dave’s story resonates with you or ignites a spark to reevaluate your cybersecurity framework, I encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this message.
Together, we can build a culture of ‘trust but verify’ in the digital domain. Sharing insights like these not only enhances our collective security posture but also fortifies our community against emerging threats. Your engagement is critical in spreading this message far and wide, empowering others to take action in their cybersecurity journeys.
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Repost from LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-security-matters-lesson-from-golf-course-mike-fitzpatrick-ivstc/