068. Rethinking Security Awareness Training: Encouragement Over ‘Gotchas’ with Craig Taylor

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Craig Taylor, co-founder of CyberHoot, to explore a new way of thinking about security awareness training: one built on confidence, encouragement, and real human psychology.

Craig shares how he went from earning his CISSP way back in 2001 to building a platform that replaces fear-based “gotcha” training with gamified learning that actually works. We dive into the philosophy behind positive reinforcement, how it changes behavior, and why it’s time to move beyond shame-driven security culture.

We also talk about Craig’s journey, the free resources CyberHoot offers, and how this human-centered approach can help anyone become more cyber-literate – students, schools, small businesses, and even large organizations looking to build safer digital habits.

Whether you’re exploring cybersecurity as a future career, trying to strengthen your online skills, or supporting a community that needs better digital awareness, this conversation offers a fresh, encouraging perspective on what security awareness training can be.

Mentioned CyberHoot Resources:

Main Website: https://cyberhoot.com/
Individual Registration (Free Personal Training for Life): https://cyberhoot.com/individuals/
Cybrary (Cybersecurity Library of Terms in Layperson language): https://cyberhoot.com/cybrary/

CyberHoot is excited to offer our listeners 20% off for 1 year using code "CyberChats"

Topics discussed: positive reinforcement in cybersecurity, rethinking security awareness training, human-centered cyber learning, psychology and cybersecurity behavior, gamified cyber education, reducing fear-based training, building cyber confidence, cyber literacy for schools and small businesses, MSP cybersecurity enablement, real-world digital safety habits, the human layer of security, cyber career journeys, creating a supportive security culture, Toastmasters.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5