Life is full of intricate balances. Every choice we make is a dance between risk and reward, availability and confidentiality, safety and fun. Lately, I’ve been deeply contemplating the parallels between my passion for motorcycling and my profession in cybersecurity.
A few weeks ago, an unexpected incident had me introspect more than ever. As I was on my way home from work, an individual, lost in their own world, veered in front of my motorcycle from a middle lane, leading to an accident. Fortunately, I emerged unscathed, but my bike did require some repair.
It’s events like these that prompt others to question my decision to commute on a motorcycle. To them, the perils seem to outweigh the pleasure. However, from my perspective, it’s all a game of risk vs reward. In the last five years, this was my first accident. I hadn’t experienced even a minor spill on the road before (excluding those occasional dirt bike adventures). To me, the joy and freedom of riding have been incomparable, and this one accident, although distressing, serves as a reminder rather than a deterrent.
Why wasn’t the accident worse? The answer lies in the meticulous measures I took to counterbalance the risk. Protective gear and constant vigilance have always been my armor. Additionally, my immediate response was to avert the collision, drawing upon my skills to attempt a rapid stop. While the weight and age of my nearly 20-year-old, 800lb bike made a full stop challenging, my proactive mindset and preparedness ensured minimal damage.
This entire experience reminded me of the world of cybersecurity. Just as in a motorbike mishap, when faced with a cyber threat, quick decisions based on a strategic playbook are crucial. While in the moment, I decided on a straight-line stop, in retrospect, swerving might have been another option. But, just as with cybersecurity strategies, it’s crucial to be decisive and stick to your playbook. It’s not always about having all the answers but about having a plan and executing it. Post-incident evaluations, like after-action reports in cybersecurity, provide an invaluable opportunity to analyze and improve.
Going forward, I have updated my ‘playbook.’ Now, whenever I traverse that particular street, I’ll be prepared for drivers turning abruptly. And if they don’t, it’s merely an added layer of safety on my part. This incident has been a testament to the importance of balance in all facets of life – from riding on the open road to protecting the digital realm. Just as I wear my protective gear and remain vigilant on the road, in cybersecurity, we arm ourselves with tools, knowledge, and strategy. For in both worlds, a well-prepared approach is our best line of defense.
Hard Cyber 