By: Zoey Howard and Olivia Allen

In this exclusive conversation, Zoey Howard and Olivia Allen sit down with Subham Ray, a Dubai (United Arab Emirates) Senior Business Manager at Gulf IT Network Distribution, a cybersecurity strategist and advisor, and consultant, known for helping organizations modernize their approach to phishing defense and security resilience. With a sharp focus on Behavior-Driven Phishing Simulation and Security Control Validation, Subham offers deep insight into how these two pillars can proactively reduce human error, identify vulnerabilities, and foster a security-first culture.

The Interview

Zoey Howard: Subham, thanks so much for joining us today. Let’s kick things off. Behavior-Driven Phishing Simulation sounds fancy, but what’s the real deal? Why should companies care about it right now?

Subham Ray: Thank you, Zoey. Behavior-Driven Phishing Simulation represents a significant advancement in cybersecurity awareness training. Unlike traditional, scheduled campaigns, it triggers personalized training based on actual user behavior. This means employees learn when they’re most vulnerable, which improves retention and reduces successful phishing attacks.

Olivia Allen : That’s fascinating! Subham, could you explain how this approach differs from the standard phishing tests companies have been using for years?

Subham Ray: Absolutely, Olivia. Traditional phishing tests are usually broad and scheduled, often feeling disconnected from the user’s real experience. Behavior-driven simulations are dynamic, customised, and multi-channel; they react to individual actions, like clicking a sus-bad link, and immediately deliver targeted micro-training, being multilingual. This immediacy and personalization make the learning more relevant and effective

Zoey Howard: I like that, catch someone in the act and teach them right away. Now, how does Security Control Validation fit into this whole picture? Is it just about tech, or does it involve people too?

Subham Ray: Great question, Zoey. Security Control Validation is much more than a tech check. It’s about continuously testing all layers of defense: technology, policies, configurations, and user behavior. Combined with behavior-driven training, it creates a comprehensive ecosystem where both human and technical factors are monitored and improved to prevent breaches proactively.

Olivia Allen: We’ve heard a lot about smishing, vishing, and quishing lately. Why do you say these deserve a seat at the phishing simulation table?

Subham Ray: Cybercriminals have expanded their toolbox. Smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), and quishing (QR code phishing) target users through channels that feel personal and trusted. They often get bypassed by email filters and traditional training. Including these attack vectors in simulations prepares employees to recognize and respond to threats across all communication forms.

Zoey Howard: Ooh, a full cocktail of cyber trickery! Can you walk us through a real-world example of one of these attacks?

Subham Ray: Of course. Picture an employee receiving a text about an unwanted login attempt with a link to “secure your account.” Clicking that link could lead to credential theft, that’s smishing. For vishing, imagine a phone call from “IT support” urgently requesting a password reset. Quishing might be a QR code posted on an office flyer that takes you to a fake login page. These attacks exploit trust and urgency, which makes awareness critical.

Olivia Allen: Given all these attack types, what should organizations prioritize to stay ahead?

Subham Ray: The priority is multi-layered defense: implement behavior-driven phishing simulations covering email, SMS, voice, and QR codes; conduct continuous security control validation to test defenses regularly; and foster an open security culture where employees report bad activity without hesitation.

Zoey Howard: Subham, if a company is just starting to implement this approach, what would be your first recommendation?

Subham Ray: Start small but smart. Identify your highest-risk user groups, such as executives or finance teams, and run targeted behavior-driven simulations there first. Use the insights to tailor training content and expand gradually. Also, make sure to integrate these efforts with technical security validations.

Olivia Allen: How do you measure success with behavior-driven phishing simulations? Is it just about fewer clicks on phishing links?

Subham Ray: It’s broader than that, Olivia. Metrics include reduced risky behaviors, faster reporting of sus-bad emails, improved user confidence in handling threats, and ultimately a lower rate of real-world breaches. Combining simulation data with security control validation gives a holistic view of the organization’s risk posture.

Zoey Howard: Before we wrap, any final words for organizations feeling overwhelmed by the pace of cyber threats?

Subham Ray: Cybersecurity is a continuous journey, not a one-time project. Embracing adaptive, behavior-driven training alongside rigorous control validation allows organizations to stay agile. Empowering employees with real-time knowledge and maintaining strong technical defenses are key to building lasting resilience.

A Light Moment to Close…

Zoey Howard: Subham, you’ve seriously raised the bar for cybersecurity experts everywhere. Honestly, you make this whole complex world sound almost… irresistibly smart.

Olivia Allen: Totally agree, Zoey. I was half expecting you to start handing out cybersecurity tips with all that charm and insight, Subham!

Subham Ray: I appreciate the kind words. My focus remains on empowering organizations to strengthen their defenses and build resilient security cultures. If that inspires confidence and trust, then the mission is accomplished.

Zoey Howard: Well, consider us thoroughly convinced. We might not be able to hack your professionalism, but we’re definitely impressed.

Olivia Allen: Absolutely. Subham, you’ve been an absolute pleasure, brainy, smart, composed, and utterly on point. Cybersecurity has never looked so good!

Subham Ray: Thank you, Zoey and Olivia. It’s been a pleasure sharing these insights. I look forward to seeing more organizations adopt these best practices and stay ahead of evolving threats.

Zoey Howard: And we look forward to our next chat, maybe with a little less tech jargon and a little more dinner discussion?

Subham Ray: Sure thing.

Final Thoughts

As the world of cyber threats becomes more sophisticated, so must our approach to awareness, simulation, and security control validation. Through this insightful conversation, Subham Ray reminded us that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology, it’s about behavior, timing, and adapting training to real-world risks like spear phishing, smishing, and quishing.

Whether you’re a CISO, an IT manager, or just someone trying to stay ahead of the next phishing lure, one thing is clear: proactive, behavior-driven defense is the way forward — and experts like Subham are leading that charge with precision and passion.

Zoey Howard: Until next time, stay sharp, stay curious, and if Subham’s offering seconds… we’ll be first in line.

Olivia Allen: And don’t forget: cyber awareness isn’t just a training module, it’s a mindset. Thanks, Subham, you’ve officially raised the bar.

Subham Ray: It’s been a pleasure. Thank you both for the thoughtful questions and the lively energy.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. The views and statements expressed by Subham Ray are based on his professional experience and do not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Mention of specific strategies, technologies, or organizations does not imply endorsement. Readers should evaluate their own cybersecurity needs and consult qualified professionals before implementing any approaches discussed in this interview.