How Cybersecurity Experts Help Protect Customers and You
Leading expert and author visits with John Deere employees
Nicole Perlroth, a New York Times reporter and author of the book, “This is how they tell me the world ends” spoke with John Deere employees in October 2024 as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. John Deere CISO James Johnson wrote the following regarding the importance of her visit.
One of the most effective ways to reinforce a cyber-aware culture across John Deere and our subsidiaries is by bringing in outside cybersecurity experts during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which occurs each October. These experts, such as the renowned journalist, author and cybersecurity expert Nicole Perlroth, provide invaluable insights that extend beyond our business segments, ensuring that our employees are well-informed and prepared to face the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Cybersecurity experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that is essential for understanding current threats, emerging trends, and best practices in cybersecurity. Nicole, for instance, has a distinguished career investigating and reporting on cybersecurity issues. Her deep insights into the tactics of cyber adversaries and the vulnerabilities they exploit can provide our organization with a comprehensive understanding of the risks we face. This insight is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect our global operations.
Having a well-known expert like Nicole speak on cybersecurity issues also lends outside credibility to the messages being conveyed by our internal cybersecurity teams. Nicole is able to reinforce the seriousness of the topic and motivate our workforce to pay closer attention and take necessary actions. Another critical benefit of engaging with cybersecurity experts is their ability to share real-world examples and case studies of cyberattacks and their consequences. These stories make the abstract concept of cybersecurity more tangible and relatable for our employees. Understanding the real-world implications of cyber threats helps them grasp the importance of vigilance and adherence to security protocols. It brings to life the potential risks and underscores the critical role each individual plays in safeguarding our organization and by extension our customers, who provide many of the services we all rely on, from food to infrastructure.
Moreover, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest information is paramount. Experts provide the most current insights on new threats, vulnerabilities, and defense mechanisms, ensuring that our cybersecurity awareness programs are relevant and effective. This up-to-date information empowers our employees to stay ahead of potential threats and reinforces the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in our security practices.
Ultimately, bringing in respected cybersecurity professionals during Cybersecurity Awareness Month helps to foster a culture of security within our organization. It signals that John Deere is committed to protecting its digital assets and values the role our employees play in this effort. By creating a more informed, vigilant, and proactive workforce, we can better maintain a robust security posture. This collaborative approach is not just about mitigating risks; it’s about building a resilient organization that can thrive in the face of evolving cyber challenges.
"I want to thank Nicole for taking time to share her expertise with us."
James M. Johnson
Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer