Justin Huffaker says that as much as 85 % of successful cyber attacks are executed by manipulating real people.

Who are these people? They’re end users, employees, city council members, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and friends. IT’s called social engineering, and it ses email, text, social media as a tool for beginning a dialogue with victims. It’s Justin’s team’s intent and commitment to stop these personalized, one-to-one attacks. To do that, they have to educate.

“Because so much news about cyberattacks exists, people have become a bit numb. The biggest obstacle that exists related to helping people do better is that most people believe that a cyberattack will never happen to them. They think their IT department has them covered. Or, they think they are too small to matter to a cybercriminal. Or, they believe that they are too smart to be tricked,” Justin says.

The Best Education is In Person.

No one wants to fall victim to a cyber attack. But, as Justin says, learning takes a real effort. Phishing simulations, online videos, etc. are only part of the solution.

“The current best recommendation that I have for clients and friends is that they attend a live cybersecurity training session. Recorded videos and simulated phishing events are useful but are not a complete solution,” Justin said. “Live training allows the audience to ask questions and is much more engaging.”

The Philosophy Behind ‘No Geek Speak.’

In communicating the dangers of social engineering and the components of cybersecurity at large, Huffaker says that Datamax representatives need to be relatable, credible, and be able to communicate using normal business language.

“No Geek Speak” is a phrase that has resonated in his department for decades. It’s about learning about cyber protection without the pretension – real security isn’t about sounding smart. It’s about keeping folks safe.

“Geek speak” is a turn off and people will tune out almost immediately. If the objective is for an audience to learn something, speak to them “in-person” and communicate with them in normal, everyday language,” Justin said.

The Managed IT Services Engagement Designed for End User Education.

Much like Apple’s iOS, Datamax’s signature Managed IT Service Program, TechCare, has undergone many iterations. The latest, something Justin calls Tech Care X (X, not 10), is designed with people – and the cybersecurity vulnerabilities they present – squarely in mind.

The X version of the service contains our most comprehensive suite of security products INCLUDING live annual security training and at least one in-person security-focused partnership review each year. The live security training and partnership review are in addition to phishing simulations and training video. We believe that our commitment to live training with real-time question and answer goes along way to helping people be better prepared for cyberattacks.

Having a TechCare client unable to detect phishing scams, or one that unknowingly clicks on that “bad” link? Or order the 20 gift cards for their “boss”? Not on Justin’s watch.