#CyberChats

National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF)

CyberChats is a podcast show focused on educating youth and people of all ages about data security, online safety, and cyber careers, skills, and pathways. Our cyber chats aim to highlight positive figures in the cybersecurity community who care about increasing awareness and bridging industry gaps. Become a part of the community of cyber chats by listening in and asking us your original questions!

  1. 12/04/2025

    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

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

CyberChats is a podcast show focused on educating youth and people of all ages about data security, online safety, and cyber careers, skills, and pathways. Our cyber chats aim to highlight positive figures in the cybersecurity community who care about increasing awareness and bridging industry gaps. Become a part of the community of cyber chats by listening in and asking us your original questions!