Tuning in on the innovative approach of SocialProof Security, the company takes advantage of music videos to impart cybersecurity lessons to their employees. Stepping away from the mundane nature of traditional corporate training, these videos cover topics such as phishing protection and password management.
Their strategy has indeed found significant success, capturing the attention of tech giants like Google and Meta. In their mission to influence a wider audience beyond tech companies, SocialProof Security plans on expanding its repertoire of engaging and educational cybersecurity materials.
Origins of the Music Videos
Initially, Tobi Tobak, CEO and co-founder of SocialProof Security, adopted this unconventional method out of curiosity, observing the popularity of cowboy hats on TikTok. After posting their first video on Twitter, tackling phishing prevention tips, the company quickly realized the potential of reaching a wider audience with this style of learning. Her original approach led to numerous inquiries from eager businesses eager to utilize its video as part of their cybersecurity training programs.
With the unmistakable success of their first endeavor, the company turned their side project into a full-fledged product. Utilizing workshops, training sessions, and interactive hacking demonstrations, SocialProof Security delivers informative and entertaining cybersecurity lessons through beautifully-crafted music videos.
The Current Topic: Phishing Awareness
Nearing the end of August, Tobi shared a teaser for their latest music video, a 80's pop-inspired track titled "Don't Get Hacked." The teaser quickly garnered attention from hundred and forty businesses, eager to integrate this new method of cybersecurity education into their training programs. Some had even already signed up as clients, including Google, Meta, and Lululemon, as well as several large corporations, the US Air Force, and various universities.
Tobi's strategic approach proved successful: "It truly shows that many different companies beyond technology companies are in search of something less boring."
Crafting the Music Videos
To create these captivating videos, Tobi generated a list of topics to cover, ranging from social media security and password management to malware and ransomware. She provided the songwriters with a detailed list of contents, song ideas, and lyrics. Inspired by 'Schoolhouse Rock!' but with a modern twist, Tobi explained her vision to the songwriter, setting the stage for a new wave of interactive cybersecurity education.
Just take a gander at the SocialProof video on phishing prevention to witness the delightful results. Featuring an 80's pop-infused country-western tune, live band, and enthusiastic line dance choreography through the office, the video is as entertaining as it is informative. While retaining a few fundamental facts about avoiding phishing scams, this less conventional approach undoubtedly piques the audience's interest.
Thoughts from an Expert: Johnathan Yerby
Johnathan Yerby, an extraordinary professor of cybersecurity at Mercer University, shares his thoughts on the potential of using music videos as a medium for cybersecurity education.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of this unconventional approach, Yerby warns against the misconception that all essential information can be conveyed in a single music video. Particularly if the video runs quickly, leaving the viewers with insufficient time to absorb the content while partaking in activities such as line dancing.
Yerby remarks that the primary challenge in educating masses on cybersecurity lies in capturing their attention and motivating them to engage with the topic. Wishing to make this vital subject matter more appealing, he champions the promising use of music videos as a potential solution.
An Alternative Approach: Classic Spoken-Word Videos
Tobi confesses that music videos are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Through her research, she discovered that roughly 20% of people have no interest in singing or dancing their way to cybersecurity knowledge. As a result, SocialProof Security offers an alternative approach through stylized spoken-word videos that maintain the same depth of content without the musical entertainment.
Upcoming Projects:
Having created the "Don't Get Hacked" and another phishing-themed music video, SocialProof Security plans to create further songs on topics such as password security (carrying the sound of an alternative '90s track) and the dangers of oversharing on social media (featuring a contemporary pop dessert). The company aims to release a new song every quarter, eventually building a collection of 12 diverse videos that encompass various music genres and cybersecurity themes.
"There's still so much more to cover," Tobak concludes.
Additional Readings:
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