Unintended Consequence: From the moment my kids were born, I took my job as protector very seriously. Case in point: I cleaned one's umbilical cord with such devotion that it simply wouldn't dry up and fall off.
Proactive? Check. Thorough? Absolutely. Overboard? Yep.
Cybersecurity isn't all that different. Obsessing over one area can cause unintended consequences. It's all about balance, seeing the big picture, and adapting as needs evolve. Let's explore how the lessons of parenting can help us better protect critical systems.
Umbilical Phase: Technical Compliance
Bringing home a newborn is an exercise in hyper-focus. Cleaning the umbilical cord after every diaper change? Genius—or so I thought. The result? A cord that refused to go!
In cybersecurity, this is like obsessing over firewalls, MFA, and encryption while missing how they integrate. Compliance is your starting point, not the whole journey. Frameworks like NIST help you lock the doors and close the windows—giving your controls a coordinated purpose.
The Toddler Years: Setting Boundaries (Access Controls)
When my baby grew into a curious toddler, boundaries became my saving grace. Baby gates and cabinet locks weren't just safety measures—they allowed exploration within safe limits.
In cybersecurity, these boundaries are access controls. Assign roles, review permissions, and enforce restrictions. If you skip this step, your pantry—or your sensitive data—might fall victim to someone's curious hands.
Playground Vigilance: Watching for Trouble (Continuous Monitoring)
Playgrounds are where parenting meets high-stakes surveillance. Whether it's a kid on a seesaw or attempting to smuggle sand into their shoes, you've got to be ready to intervene.
Continuous monitoring in cybersecurity works the same way. Use tools that spot suspicious activity and respond before it escalates—because leaving your playground (or network) unwatched invites disaster.
The Life Lesson Phase: Teaching Awareness (Security Awareness Training)
"Look both ways before crossing the street." That simple lesson gave my kids the tools to keep themselves safe—even when I wasn't there to hold their hands.
In cybersecurity, this is your security awareness training. Without it, one careless click can undo even the strongest defenses. Regularly training your team to spot phishing attempts, avoid risky behavior, and report suspicious activity equips them with the same self-sufficiency as teaching kids to cross a street safely.
Prepared: Planning for the Unexpected (Incident Response Plans)
As my kids grew older, I accepted that I couldn't protect them from everything. Instead, I prepared them for worst-case scenarios: fire drills, escape plans, and even fingerprinting (because you never know).
In cybersecurity, this is your incident response plan. You can't stop every breach, but you can limit the damage by being prepared. A solid plan includes regular testing, role assignments, and clear communication protocols. Just as my kids knew what to do in emergencies, your systems should too.
Letting Go: Trusting the Foundation (Strategic Oversight and Adaptability)
Now that my kids are grown, I've stepped back to let them live their lives. I trust the foundation I built, though I still occasionally offer advice (hopefully, they've forgotten the stranger-danger stories about "harmless-looking old people").
In cybersecurity, this is about strategic oversight. Once your systems are secure, balance trust with vigilance. Monitor for changes, refine your strategy, and adapt as new threats emerge. Stay involved, but don't micromanage—trust the solid foundation you've built while staying flexible to meet new challenges.
Simply Put
In parenting and cybersecurity, the same principles hold true: vigilance without overcomplicating, proactivity without overreaching. Focus on the bigger picture, adapt as needs evolve, and remember that too much attention in the wrong places can create vulnerabilities. And if your kids still remember being fingerprinted or fear the elderly, well—that's just one more unintended consequence to add to the list.