Empathy in cybersecurity is about picking a side

Regardless of the power, wealth, or influence a person or company might have, the only thing that can protect them from being hacked is another great (ethical) hacker.Although the dark side of cybersecurity has several routes to explore and experiment with, they all have the same destination, and – spoiler alert – it is never a happy place. That’s why empathy in cybersecurity is about picking a side: you either use your skills to harm people or to protect them from cybercriminals. In today's episode, I'm joined by the incredibly talented and eloquent Jenny Radcliffe, The People Hacker. She is a Social Engineer, Author, Burglar for Hire, Award-winning Podcast Host, Keynote Speaker, Panelist, and a 2022 Infosec Hall of Fame Inductee. Her latest book, "People Hacker: Confessions Of A Burglar For Hire," reveals how she gains access to top-grade private and commercial properties using her inimitable blend of psychology, stagecraft, and charm. We had a fantastic conversation about what it really means to be a social engineer, why she believes empathy in cybersecurity is about picking a side, and the importance of learning to manage emotions as a defense mechanism against malicious hackers. Jenny also shared her thoughts on gaps in the education system, the importance of mastering so-called "soft skills," and so much more! In this episode, you can expand your views with:A bit about Jenny's background and why she became a social engineer (3:10)How understanding our emotions prepares us to deal with cybercriminals (8:00)What it really means to be a social engineer and why it’s not what most people think (11:30)What readers got from Jenny’s book and the impact it’s had (17:00)Why empathy, just like cybersecurity, only works when you use it (24:20)Why the gaps in the education system make entire generations susceptible to bad actors’ tactics (33:20)Why Jenny doesn't use the word "mentor" to describe her guides in the industry (39:00)Resources:Book: Jenny Radcliffe - People Hacker: Confessions Of A Burglar For HireJenny’s Human Factor Security podcastTedX Talk - Surrounded by lies (but never happier)How I Fooled A £2 mil Security SystemMeet Jenny Radcliffe, the People HackerHow To Protect Yourself From Hackers | Inside The Mind Of The People HackerPeople Hacker TV seriesBrett Johnson - TwitterI’m not Snow White. I have to think like a criminal’: how I became a burglar for hireResources:Book: Jenny Radcliffe - People Hacker: Confessions Of A Burglar For HireTedX Talk - Surrounded by lies (but never happier)How I Fooled A £2mil Security SystemMeet Jenny Radcliffe, the People HackerHow To Protect Yourself From Hackers | Inside The Mind Of The People HackerPeople Hacker TV seriesBrett Johnson - TwitterI’m not Snow White. I have to think like a criminal’: how I became a burglar for hireConnect with Jenny:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInTwitter