Factoring in Security Bias and Blindness when Assessing Organizational Risk

In a Risk Roundtable podcast by risk management firm Gate 15, three security analysts discussed the topic of security bias and security blindness (one of the analysts is WaterISAC Cyber Threat Analyst Jennifer Lyn Walker). The group specifically looked at how bias in analysis can lead to security blindness and the minimization and exaggeration of threats. They discussed how bias exists in virtually everything and ways in which it could exist for the analyst, as well as by those that receive the data. The group explored some of the root causes and how this can lead to and continue a cycle of misinformation and disinformation if not handled correctly. Additionally, they noted the more divisive politics become, the more bias media and people – politicians, the media, social media, foreign governments, and others – fan the flames of division, making the role of the analyst more challenging. They concluded by encouraging all organizations to engage in discussions about bias to ensure they are accurately representing the threats and risks to the organization. Access the podcast at Gate 15.