Penetration Testing mailing list archives

Re: Testing the user community


From: "R. DuFresne" <dufresne () sysinfo com>
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 16:16:57 -0500 (EST)

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On Fri, 2 Feb 2007, Thor (Hammer of God) wrote:


Not withstanding the value of the other replies, the problem with this
method is that the outcome doesn't really prove anything one way or the
other.  If he sends a mock virus out and no one opens it, it doesn't mean
that they won't open a real one that comes out the next day.  If they do
open his, that doesn't mean they'll actually open a real one in the future.


You can always prove that your users will do something stupid.  That's
trivial.  If the goal is to actually improve the security posture of your
userbase, then engage in continued user education - not waste your time
trying to get them to open a virus.



If user education really worked though, would not alot of companies that do just that for other companies work themselves out of a business over time?

Or to state it a tad differently; over time would not user education be so ingrained that only new hires need attend rather then the bi-yearly or quarterly need for "user education" no longer be required?


Thanks,

Ron DuFresne
- -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        admin & senior security consultant:  sysinfo.com
                        http://sysinfo.com
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...We waste time looking for the perfect lover
instead of creating the perfect love.

                -Tom Robbins <Still Life With Woodpecker>
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