Security Incident Notification – The New Yorker

Alright, fellow healthcare and cybersecurity mates, grab your cuppa and get settled in because we’ve got a corker of a story to unpack. You know how those folks at The New Yorker are always ribbing with their wicked sense of humour, right?

Well, they’ve gone and done it again, this time poking a bit of fun at those dreary security incident notices we always get. You know, the ones that go all doom and gloom in the “What Happened?” section. They’ve taken a serious subject and had a proper laugh, I’m telling you.

In this cheeky little sketch penned by Jay Katsir, they’ve brilliantly illustrated the scenario that usually unfolds during a security incident. Brace yourselves, it’s nothing like the dramatised sort we’ve come to expect from a Hollywood action film. We’re not talking about red “ALERT” flashing on giant screens here, ominous music swelling up in the background.

Instead, it’s more like a lad in front of his computer, stumbling upon something that looks a bit off then thinking “That’s not right, is it?” So, it’s more a case of subdued alarm rather than high-stakes drama. If it were a movie, you’d probably be fast asleep within the first 15 minutes.

And guess when they noticed the “suspicious” activity? According to their accounts, it could have been “In or around November or February, 2018/24” Well, that’s as clear as mud, isn’t it? It feels like someone is being quite nonchalant about the timelines or they’re just having us on.

This sketch does take the mickey, but it also makes one think about the whole process of reporting and addressing the issue of cybersecurity breaches. It’s not just about the flashy action-filled encounter with the bad guys, is it? It’s about the unseen, often uncelebrated, meticulous work done to maintain the integrity of our data, be it in healthcare or any other sector.

As Brits, we’re no strangers to a bit of drizzle. But imagine if our cybersecurity system was like that unpredictable British weather! You think everything is fine and then it’s raining cats and dogs all of a sudden. No, thank you!

Whether it’s a classic British rainy day or the not-so-exciting reality of a security breach, it’s always best to be prepared and well-equipped. And while The New Yorker’s take on security incidents adds a much-needed dash of humour to an otherwise serious topic, let’s not forget to tip our hats to those diligent folks who work behind the scenes every day, safeguarding our digital realms from anomalies. So, let’s raise our teacups to those silent heroes, shall we?

In all seriousness, we must place the spotlight on the fact that cybersecurity is not a glamorous, action-packed adventure but more like a strict, stern-faced headmaster who keeps an eagle eye out for any wrongdoing in the corridors of the internet.

So, just like we never leave the house without an umbrella (because you never know when the sunny sky might betray you), let’s never underestimate the seriousness of digital security. Stay safe, folks! Because cybersecurity, much like the British weather, is not something to be taken lightly.

by Parker Bytes