Thread by @MalwareJake

I have an interesting ethical quandary. Is it ethically okay to use COVID-19 themed phishing emails for assessments and user awareness training right now? Please read the thread before responding and RT for visibility. 1/

In most assessments, we use topically themed email pretexts. First, because they work. But also because real threat actors don't send "Helo, I am Nigeria prince, clock attackment."

The @RenditionSec incident response practice tells us that topically themed emails WORK. 2/

Attackers use them and they're exceedingly successful when they do. People always strive to fill an information void. The multitude of emails from vendors in the last few days means they're even expected. Intuitively, we should train users before they fall for an attacker. 3/

However, this is a public health emergency. If you're still confused about that, just go ahead and unfollow me.

Telling me I'm wrong about that will get you instablocked and I'll consider it a public service to hide your replies.

Now that we've got that out of the way... 4/

I don't want employees not opening an email with real information about coronavirus because the last one they got was a phishing test. So I'm torn between the ethical obligation to train users and the ethical obligation to minimize public safety risks. These are at odds. 5/

My gut feeling is to not use COVID-19 themed emails in assessments/training, but to TELL users to expect them, though I understand even that might discourage consumption of legitimate information, endangering public health. 6/

But I'm going to swallow my pride and tell you I'd be susceptible to clicking on a link or opening an attachment in an email supposedly from RSA or Exabeam offering information on contact tracing from the conference, esp if it was targeted to me. 7/
google.com/amp/s/www.bloo…

So there's a need for training and a need for public safety.

In addition to answering the poll, please leave a comment explaining why you chose a particular response. I'll be writing a blog post once the poll closes; ethics in cyber is something we don't talk enough about. /FIN