Cybersecurity has always been a topic we take seriously. Early in my career, I viewed it much like the work of a police officer: monitoring systems, anticipating threats, and ensuring that no security breaches occur. That mindset shaped my commitment to vigilance and oversight. Over time, it became clear that while this vigilance remains essential, what is equally, and perhaps even more important are the habits, awareness, and proactive engagement of every individual in an organization. Cybersecurity is not only about identifying and responding to threats. It is about cultivating a culture where every team member contributes to prevention through informed decisions and shared responsibility.
At Linical we understand the importance of handling sensitive data, from patient information to trials results. How we handle this data drives innovation and maintains trust.
A single lapse can have significant consequences. This makes cybersecurity awareness a responsibility shared by everyone, not just IT teams. Protecting this data ensures the integrity of research and safeguards the trust of patients and stakeholders.
One principle that I emphasize across the organization, inspired by our partner KnowBe4, is: Stop, Look, Think.
Stop: Take a moment before interacting with unexpected emails, links, or attachments.
Look: Notice anything unusual, inconsistent, or out of place.
Think: If something seems off, report it immediately to your IT team.
This approach isn’t just about avoiding threats at work; it also shapes habits that protect our personal digital lives. Small mindful actions become a shared culture of vigilance that strengthens the organization from the inside out.
Creating a resilient cybersecurity culture goes beyond rules and tools; it’s about education, awareness, and everyday practices. Organizations can foster this through:
When cybersecurity becomes part of everyday behavior, it empowers individuals to act confidently and collaboratively, reducing risk across the organization.
Technology evolves, and with it, so do cyber threats. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by attackers to create more sophisticated phishing emails, impersonation attempts, and social engineering campaigns. While AI can also support defenders through advanced monitoring and threat detection, it highlights that human awareness remains the most critical line of defense.
To help prevent AI-powered attacks:
• Pause and carefully evaluate unexpected messages, especially those requesting sensitive information.
• Verify unusual requests through trusted channels before taking action.
• Follow the Stop, Look, Think principle for every digital interaction.
By combining smart technology with vigilant habits, we can stay ahead of evolving threats and protect both sensitive research and our daily workflows.
While IT teams play a vital role in monitoring and protecting systems, the first line of defense is each employee. Habits, attentiveness, and collaboration matter more than any single software solution. In practice, one of the most effective ways to approach cybersecurity is to treat each decision as if someone were trying to access your personal bank account or savings. This perspective encourages thoughtful evaluation and vigilance, ensuring that business decisions and actions are taken with the same care and responsibility as protecting personal assets. By making cybersecurity part of the organizational culture, we protect not only our research and data but also our colleagues, our reputations, and our personal digital environments.
Cybersecurity is about people, habits, and culture, not just technology. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s remember that every click, every decision, and every mindful action contributes to a safer digital environment. By embracing vigilance and shared responsibility, we can safeguard sensitive research, support innovation, and maintain the trust of those who rely on us.
How are you applying “Stop, Look, Think” in your daily work?
References:
KnowBe4. Cybersecurity Awareness Training and Best Practices: Stop, Look, Think.Author:
Alberto Cañizares
Cyber Security Administrator, Information Technology - Linical