Dealing with resistant colleagues on cybersecurity updates. Are you prepared to handle the pushback?

Understanding concerns is crucial in cybersecurity. It involves listening to stakeholders to grasp their specific worries and challenges. For instance, in client engagements, I prioritize understanding their unique risk perceptions and compliance needs. This approach ensures tailored security solutions that address their concerns effectively, fostering trust and alignment with organizational goals.

To handle pushback from resistant colleagues on cybersecurity updates: Educate and Inform: Clearly explain the importance and benefits of the updates for protecting the organization. Address Concerns: Listen to their concerns and provide solutions to mitigate any inconveniences. Show Leadership Support: Highlight backing from management to emphasize the updates' necessity. Demonstrate Benefits: Share success stories and examples where cybersecurity measures have prevented incidents. Offer Training: Provide hands-on training to help colleagues adapt to new protocols comfortably.

Before you can overcome resistance to cybersecurity updates, you need to understand the concerns that are driving it. Are your colleagues worried about the learning curve, the impact on their workflow, or simply unaware of the risks associated with outdated security practices? By actively listening to their concerns and empathizing with their challenges, you can create a foundation for open communication and trust. This approach allows you to address specific issues, alleviate fears, and demonstrate how the updates will ultimately benefit them and the organization. Don't assume you know what's holding them back - take the time to understand their concerns and watch resistance melt away.

I'm going to answer this question for Operational Technology (OT) environments as the others have covered IT networks here. In OT networks, such as a power plant, refinery or railway, there are significant concerns around patching. It isn't a matter of simply "Why do we have to patch?", but determine if a patch and the updating process could introduce safety and operational availability issues. If we take down an IT environment with a bad patch, it isn't the end of the world. In some ICS/OT environments when on-site personnel could be hurt by an errant system due to a bad patch, it can be.

Tactful education is essential in cybersecurity. It means sensitively educating users about risks without causing alarm. In my experience, this involves using real-world examples to illustrate potential consequences of poor security practices. By emphasizing empowerment and collaboration rather than blame, users are more likely to adopt secure behaviors willingly, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

I'm going to answer this question for Operational Technology (OT) environments as the others have covered IT networks here. In gaining support for patching in ICS/OT environments, I have had tremendous success in working with the appropriate stakeholders to help them understand not only the current threat landscape as it is today for ICS/OT, but the particular threats that target their particular environment and follow up with a realistic approach to patching their environment. Patching in ICS/OT is VERY different than in IT. We might have patches that in IT you would want to patch right away and yet, if it doesn't impact safety or the availability of operations, it might never be addressed. A strange concept I know for those in IT!

Resistance to cybersecurity updates is often rooted in fear, misunderstanding, or a lack of knowledge. When dealing with resistant colleagues, it's essential to educate them tactfully, avoiding a confrontational or condescending approach. Instead, focus on addressing their concerns, providing clear explanations, and highlighting the benefits of the updates. By doing so, you'll build trust, increase buy-in, and create a more secure and collaborative work environment. Remember, education is key to overcoming resistance and ensuring a successful cybersecurity rollout. So, take the time to educate your colleagues, and watch your organization's cybersecurity posture improve as a result.

Showcases in cybersecurity offer significant benefits by demonstrating practical applications of security technologies. For instance, in my career, participating in showcases has helped clients visualize the effectiveness of advanced threat detection systems or encryption protocols. These demonstrations not only build confidence in the chosen solutions but also facilitate informed decision-making and stakeholder buy-in. Showcases effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world implementation, fostering a more secure organizational environment.

I'm going to answer this question for Operational Technology (OT) environments as the others have covered IT networks here. Determining the benefits of patching systems in ICS/OT environments can be much trickier and is less straightforward than in IT. For the Windows-based systems in an ICS/OT network, I always push to have these updated just like their IT counterparts. If an attacker was able to gain a foothold in the ICS/OT network, I wouldn't want to make it any easier for them to move through the network and ultimately gain control. As a defender, I want to slow them down to be able to have the time to detect them and ultimately stop them.

Understand Concerns: Listen to specific objections or fears they have. Provide Clear Guides: Offer detailed documentation and guides for the updates. 📄 Accessible Support: Ensure support is readily available through platforms like Slack or email. 📧 Training Opportunities: Conduct hands-on training sessions to familiarize colleagues with new systems. 🖥️ Regular Communication: Keep colleagues updated and address their feedback promptly. 🗣️

I'm going to answer this question for Operational Technology (OT) environments as the others have covered IT networks here. Being able to help those responsible for systems that will be patched is essential in ICS/OT environments. When a system is to actually be patched, you need to work with the appropriate personnel including engineers and Operations & Maintenance team members to not only patch the system when possible, but to ensure the environment continues to run without issue. This can only happen when we all work together as a team. No one person can have all of the answers in an ICS/OT environment.

Prepare to manage pushback by implementing changes gradually. Start with critical updates addressing immediate risks. Progress to less urgent updates, allowing time for adjustment without overwhelming them. This approach minimizes disruption, integrates changes smoothly into daily operations, and fosters acceptance of enhanced security measures.

Encouraging feedback is crucial in cybersecurity for continuous improvement. In my experience, fostering an open culture where stakeholders feel comfortable providing input has been instrumental. For example, during security assessments, inviting feedback from all levels helps uncover blind spots and refine strategies. This collaborative approach not only enhances security measures but also strengthens trust and engagement across teams, ensuring a more resilient cybersecurity posture.

I'm going to answer this question for Operational Technology (OT) environments as the others have covered IT networks here. Remember that you cannot just run into an ICS/OT environment, scream the sky is falling and that all systems need to be patched and rebooted immediately! If you were, potentially in some environments people could die if that were to happen. Even if physical safety wasn't an issue, more than likely the organization would lose substantial revenue from the plant downtime you just caused. When a new vulnerability is discovered, be sure to work with the appropriate plant personnel to determine if a patch needs to be deployed or not. And, if it does need to be deployed, what is the safe way in which to do so.

Patience and persistence are key in this process. It is important to create a collaborative environment where everyone understands and contributes to the organization’s cybersecurity efforts. - Seek their input: Involve resistant colleagues in the process. Ask for their suggestions on how to implement changes with minimal disruption to their workflow. - Start small: If possible, introduce changes gradually. Begin with smaller, less disruptive updates to build trust and demonstrate benefits. - Use positive reinforcement: Recognize and reward colleagues who adopt new security practices. This can encourage others to follow suit.