Train your brain for cyber secure habits

Did you know your brain is constantly rewiring itself?

Every time you learn something new or repeat a behavior, your brain changes its connections—a process called neuroplasticity.
This remarkable ability is why habits, both good and bad, are so hardwired into our lives. And it’s also the key to making cybersecurity second nature.

Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to adapt to new experiences. When you repeat an action—like locking your screen or spotting a phishing email—the neural pathways responsible for that behavior become stronger. Over time, the action turns into a habit, something you do without thinking.

Here’s the catch: your brain isn’t naturally wired to care about cybersecurity.
It evolved to protect you from physical threats, like predators or falling rocks. Invisible digital risks, like phishing scams or malware, don’t trigger the same alarm bells.

That’s why you might instinctively flinch at a loud noise but not at a suspicious email.
-The good news? You can outsmart your Stone Age brain.

Rewiring your brain for secure habits

The secret lies in repetition and positive reinforcement.
When security behaviors are practiced regularly in a safe, controlled environment, your brain begins to lay down the neural tracks that make those behaviors automatic.
Pair this with nudges—gentle reminders in your daily workflow—and you’re well on your way to cybersecurity success.

For example, imagine you have a colleague who always forgets to lock their computer.
A playful nudge, like a sticky note saying, “Oops, your screen needs a lock!” can help their brain start to associate the act of locking their computer with positive reinforcement. Over time, that behavior becomes as automatic as putting on a seatbelt.

From stone age instincts to digital-age habits

It’s fascinating to think that the brain still operates with instincts from thousands of years ago. But it’s also empowering to know we can reshape it.
When we work with our brain instead of against it, we can build a security culture that’s not just effective but effortless.

If you’re curious to learn more about how our Stone Age brains influence our modern IT habits—and how to hack this knowledge for better security—I dive deeper into these ideas in my talk, From Stone Age Instincts to the Digital Age: -Rewiring Your Brain for Secure IT Habits. Where we explore how tiny, practical steps can lead to big changes in creating a security-savvy mindset.