Key insights from the Oh, Behave! report and The Deep Dive Podcast by TEXPERS.

The Deep Dive Podcast by TEXPERS

Episode: The Cyber Paradox — Why High Confidence and Shadow AI Create Risk

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Podcast description: The Deep Dive examines how confidence, convenience, and culture shape cyber risk, including shadow AI and the knowing–doing gap. The episode offers practical steps to strengthen human defenses.

4 Alarming Cybersecurity Truths a 7,000-Person Study Uncovered

Cybersecurity is more than technology—it’s human. A study of 7,000 people in the Oh, Behave! report shows how habits, confidence, and culture create real-world risk. Here are four lessons for trustees and administrators.

1) Shadow AI is leaking sensitive data

Employees use unapproved AI tools and paste sensitive data without oversight. Close the gap with a clear AI policy, approved tools, and guardrails.

2) Digital natives are not automatically safer

High confidence does not necessarily equate to secure behavior. Younger staff members may be exempt from using MFA or password managers. Target coaching and make security effortless.

3) The knowing–doing gap is widening

People are aware of best practices, but still opt for convenience. Automate updates and make secure actions the easiest ones.

4) Privacy fatalism erodes defenses

When breaches seem inevitable, people tend to disengage. Rebuild confidence with small wins, success stories, and fast support.

What to do next

• Adopt an AI-use policy with approved tools.
• Enable MFA everywhere.
• Standardize a password manager.
• Automate updates.
• Run short phishing drills with coaching.

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Editor’s Note: This article was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to support research and formatting. Final content decisions, including writing, editing, fact-checking, and publication, were completed by TEXPERS staff.