In today’s digital age, cybersecurity goes beyond firewalls and passwords—it’s about people. As we find ourselves in the heart of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to spotlight two of GoTo’s unsung heroes: our incredible Security Engagement Team! While they often work behind the scenes, ensuring our GoGetters are equipped to tackle the latest digital threats, today we’re bringing them front and center.
They may highlight our fellow GoGetters as "human firewall champions," but let’s be real—they are the true champions. Through relentless communication and engagement, they ensure our teams remain vigilant, informed, and always a step ahead in safeguarding GoTo.
Today, we’re celebrating Alison Frank, Senior Manager of Security Engagement, and Joseph “Joe” Magliocca, Senior Security Engagement Specialist. These two consistently find creative and impactful ways to educate, inspire, and empower the GoTo community to fend off cyber threats.
Fueling the Mission
When asked about their inspiration for joining the Security Engagement Team, Alison and Joe expressed a shared passion for protecting people and cultivating a culture of awareness.
Joe’s journey was shaped by his background in teaching, which fueled his commitment to education and communication. "For some, cybersecurity can feel overwhelming or abstract, but I aim to make it accessible and engaging for everyone," he said. In his role, Joe emphasizes making security a shared responsibility through interactive training, phishing simulations, and clear communication. "My goal is to help employees understand why cybersecurity matters and how their actions are critical to protecting the company."
Alison was particularly drawn to GoTo’s strong commitment to prioritizing cybersecurity. "The leadership’s focus on embedding strong security practices aligned perfectly with my career goals and values," she shared. She plays a pivotal role in helping employees understand and adopt security best practices, ensuring that cybersecurity initiatives resonate with their everyday actions. "By educating colleagues, we strengthen the company's resilience and enhance our reputation as a leader in secure technology solutions," she added.
Impact in Action
Alison and Joe may work behind the scenes, but their efforts have led to powerful outcomes in elevating cybersecurity awareness at GoTo.
Joe has made a significant impact through the simulated phishing program, slashing the click rate from 11% to just 4% and boosting reporting from 30% to 50%. "Our consistent efforts, including newsletters and the Human Firewall Program, have been game changers," he shared. This program has motivated GoGetters to participate in optional security challenges, fostering a culture of proactive security awareness. "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, proving we're not just checking boxes—we're building a lasting security mindset."
Alison has driven a shift from annual to quarterly security training, keeping cybersecurity front and center for employees. "This change has really made a difference," she said, highlighting the surge in phishing reporting rates and increased participation in cybersecurity events. A standout moment for her was when an employee identified suspicious activity, crediting their training for verifying a request and ultimately avoiding a scam. "Seeing this in action shows our work matters."
Cyber Savvy: Staying “in the Know”
Keeping up with cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but Alison and Joe have it figured out. With insights from vendors, news sources, peer networks, and industry conferences, they stay informed and ready for anything. Their mission? To share this knowledge and empower the entire GoTo community, ensuring every GoGetter is equipped to tackle the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
“At GoTo, I’m fortunate to work with a collaborative security team that shares vital information,” Alison explains. “We focus on delivering the most relevant updates to our employees without overwhelming them.” They leverage global news posts, emails, and newsletters, analyzing trends to shape their training programs and keep everyone engaged.
Joe adds, “When it comes to sharing knowledge, I strive to make it accessible and relevant.” He communicates updates through newsletters, Slack posts, and quarterly training sessions, using interactive methods like phishing simulations and gamified challenges. “It’s all about keeping everyone informed and prepared to tackle the evolving security landscape,” he concludes.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening GoTo’s Cybersecurity Mission Together
As we look ahead, Alison and Joe are focused on empowering every GoGetter to play a vital role in our cybersecurity efforts. Alison emphasizes the need to cultivate a culture where everyone acts as a human firewall, both at work and at home. “Each quarter, we’ll center our initiatives around a specific security theme that aligns with our goals and emerging trends,” she shares. A key part of this will be streamlining communication so employees can swiftly identify and report risks.
Recognizing the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), Alison stresses the need for training on secure usage as these technologies become more integrated into our lives. “We’ll provide training on using it securely,” she says, encouraging everyone to engage with security communications and participate in training activities to enhance our collective defense.
Joe underscores the importance of addressing the challenges that AI presents in our cybersecurity journey. “We need to ensure that AI is used securely to avoid unintentional leaks of sensitive information,” he notes. With cybercriminals exploiting AI for more sophisticated attacks, Joe is committed to refining our phishing simulations to reflect real-world threats. “We’re using actual phishing emails that have targeted GoTo, helping employees recognize the latest tactics,” he explains. This vigilance is crucial, and he believes that every employee has a role in fortifying our defenses.
Together, Alison and Joe embody the spirit of collaboration and empowerment that drives GoTo’s cybersecurity mission. Let’s take inspiration from their leadership and work together to strengthen our efforts, making GoTo a safer place for everyone.
