Thanksgiving and Cybersecurity: A Brit’s Guide to Turkey, Traditions, and Zero Trust

Thanksgiving and Cybersecurity: A Brit’s Guide to Turkey, Traditions, and Zero Trust

Ah, Thanksgiving. The one day of the year when Americans set aside their differences (hopefully) to gather around the dinner table, stuff themselves silly, and argue passionately about who exactly ruined the mashed potatoes. 

As a Brit, I’ll admit I’m still wrapping my head around this whole “giving thanks” malarkey as it seems suspiciously like Christmas but without the presents. However, I’ve been assured it’s about gratitude, family, and the glorious bird that is the turkey.

But, let’s not beat around the bush. While most Americans will be worrying about undercooked stuffing or Aunt Susan's unsolicited political opinions, there’s a bigger bird to pluck: cybersecurity threats. Just like the turkey, hackers are ready to carve up something, but this time, it’s your data.

And with Zero Trust becoming the cybersecurity buzzword of the decade, I thought, why not merge these two odd worlds of Thanksgiving and Cybersecurity for a bit of fun? Let’s talk about what Thanksgiving can teach us about staying cyber-safe in an increasingly risky world.

The Turkey of Trust: Why Zero Trust Matters

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, but let’s be honest: you don’t completely trust everyone at the table. Sure, you love your family, but you’re also double-checking Uncle Gary doesn’t pocket the last slice of pumpkin pie when he thinks no one’s looking. Cybersecurity is no different.

Zero Trust is like the paranoid Thanksgiving host who locks every cupboard and fridge until you prove you’re not there to nick the gravy boat. Unlike traditional security measures that assume everything inside the network is trustworthy (like assuming all your guests will behave), Zero Trust works on a “trust no one” policy. Everyone, from Aunt Susan to Cousin Bob, has to prove they belong and have the right to access the green bean casserole (or, in this case, your corporate applications).

So, what can Thanksgiving teach us about Zero Trust and keeping hackers at bay? Let’s dig into the metaphorical mashed potatoes.

1. The Guest List: Who Gets to Sit at the Table?

When planning a Thanksgiving dinner, you don’t let just anyone into your home. You invite people you trust, and even then, you have your doubts about whether Cousin Jenny will “accidentally” bring her three uninvited friends again this year.

Zero Trust works on a similar principle: verify everyone. It’s not enough for someone to have the right name (or IP address); they need a proper invitation, ID, and an approved reason to be there.

• Cyber Lesson: Hackers often exploit overly trusting network systems, much like how Cousin Jenny exploits your hospitality. Use identity verification and least-privilege access to limit their reach.

2. The Turkey Timer: Verify Constantly

Now, let’s talk about the turkey. You wouldn’t just pop it in the oven, set a timer for five hours, and hope for the best, would you? You check on it regularly—poking, prodding, and possibly questioning your life choices while basting.

Zero Trust does the same thing for network access. Instead of granting users indefinite access after logging in, it continuously verifies their permissions. It’s like asking, “Are you still supposed to be here, and are you behaving yourself?” every time someone tries to move around your network.

• Cyber Lesson: Implement tools that monitor and validate user behavior continuously. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about ensuring no one sneaks into the dessert tray early.

3. The Uninvited Guests: Spotting the Hackers

Thanksgiving horror stories often involve unexpected visitors. Maybe your neighbor Bob pops over unannounced to “borrow” a pie, or your teenager invites their friends for a plate (and to escape family chaos). Similarly, your network is constantly at risk of unauthorized guests.

Zero Trust assumes everyone is a potential freeloader until proven otherwise. It checks and double-checks that each guest (or device) is authorized to be there.

• Cyber Lesson: Be vigilant. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device posture checks to prevent hackers from waltzing into your network with a fake smile and a half-empty wine bottle.

4. The Side Dish Dilemma: Prioritise What Matters

Ah, the classic Thanksgiving debate: which side dish reigns supreme? While the Americans are busy arguing about whether it’s stuffing, mac and cheese, or sweet potato casserole, the Brits are sitting here wondering why none of this comes with Yorkshire pudding.

In the world of cybersecurity, this translates to focusing on what really matters: protecting critical applications and sensitive data. You can’t guard everything equally, so you need to prioritise the “star dishes” of your network.

• Cyber Lesson: Use segmentation to isolate sensitive data and applications from less critical systems. Treat your crown jewels (or gravy boat) with the utmost care.

5. The Leftovers: Clean Up Properly

After the feast, the clean-up begins. You pack up the leftovers, make sure nothing’s gone to waste, and ensure that no turkey bits are left lying around for the dog to swipe.

In cybersecurity, leftover access credentials or outdated permissions are a hacker’s dream. Zero Trust minimises this risk by revoking access as soon as it’s no longer needed. It’s like slapping a “hands off” label on the leftover pecan pie before your teenage cousin gets to it.

• Cyber Lesson: Regularly review and revoke unused access permissions. Clean up your network like you would at the dinner table.

6. The Family Drama: Internal Threats Are Real

Let’s face it: the biggest threat to Thanksgiving harmony often comes from within. Whether it’s Grandpa Joe sharing a wildly inappropriate story or your sibling starting a debate over who Mum loves more, internal risks are always lurking.

In cybersecurity, internal threats are just as dangerous as external ones. Disgruntled employees, careless users, or compromised accounts can wreak havoc if left unchecked. Zero Trust combats this by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring even “trusted” insiders.

• Cyber Lesson: Implement strict access policies and keep an eye on suspicious activity, even from your most trusted users (or relatives).

7. The Gratitude Mindset: Stay Proactive, Not Reactive

Thanksgiving is ultimately about gratitude—being thankful for the good things in your life (like not being hacked, for starters). In cybersecurity, this means adopting a proactive mindset: patching vulnerabilities, educating users, and embracing a robust framework like Zero Trust before a breach occurs.

• Cyber Lesson: Invest in prevention rather than cleanup. It’s far easier to secure your network now than to explain to your board why a data breach ruined their metaphorical Thanksgiving dinner.

In Conclusion: Gobble Up Cybersecurity with ZTNA

So, there you have it: a Brit’s mildly confused, overly metaphorical take on Thanksgiving and cybersecurity. While you’re carving up the turkey this year, spare a thought for the hackers carving up unsecured networks. And while you may not be able to control Aunt Susan’s opinions or Uncle Gary’s appetite, you can control who accesses your systems and data.

Zero Trust isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of saying, “Prove yourself, mate,” to every user, device, and application that comes knocking.

So this Thanksgiving, whether you’re battling over the last piece of pie or securing your corporate network, remember: trust no one, verify everyone, and never, ever let Cousin Jenny near the pumpkin cheesecake without a proper invite.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your turkey, and your data, remain unbreached!