EP 1 — HelpScout’s Pilar Garcia on People-Centric Data Privacy and Security

In the very first episode of The Future of Data Security podcast, our host, Co-Founder and CEO of Qohash, Jean Le Bouthillier, speaks with Pilar Garcia, Director of Privacy and Security at Help Scout. Pilar shares her journey into data privacy and security, emphasizing the significance of a people-centric approach to building robust security teams. 

She discusses the delicate balance between innovation and risk, highlighting the importance of effective communication within organizations. Pilar also touches on the evolving challenges posed by AI in the security landscape, particularly with phishing. 

Topics discussed:

• Transitioning from a background in physics to a career in data privacy and security.
• The importance of empowering teams with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a proactive data privacy and security culture.
• How effective communication within a company is crucial for balancing innovation with the risks associated with data security.
• The future challenges posed by AI, particularly in the context of phishing and other security threats.
• How to build a strong data privacy and security team that can adapt to ever-changing tech landscapes.
• How proper security training is essential, moving beyond just checking a box to truly educating employees on best practices.
• The need to communicate technical risks in a way that business teams can easily understand.
• The pitfalls of implementing security measures that look good on paper but are not effective in practice.
• The value of mentorship and shares personal experiences with mentors who have guided her in the field.