Ep. 260 - The SE Etc. Series: Suffering Through a Romance Scam with Nadja El Fertasi
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The SE Etc. Series, hosted by Chris Hadnagy, CEO of Social-Engineer LLC, and The Innocent Lives Foundation, as well as Social-Engineer.Org and The Institute for Social Engineering.
About Our Guest
This series will be discussing topics and news pertaining to the world of Social Engineering. Today, Chris is joined by Nadja El Fertasi, a leading figure in fostering emotional resilience within the digital age. With nearly two decades of experience at NATO, including a significant role in the NATO Communications and Information Agency focusing on Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity, Nadja has been a pivotal figure in strategic engagement and communications.
Her comprehensive expertise spans crisis management, strategic stakeholder communication, and emotional intelligence, creating a unified approach to enhance the human side of digital advancements. As a respected expert in her field, Nadja has emerged as a trusted voice on cybersecurity and digital transformation. Her contribution to the cybersecurity community was acknowledged in "Hacking Gender Barriers: Europe’s Top Cyberwomen," by the Women4Cyber foundation, which recognized her as one of Europe's influential figures in cybersecurity.
Nadja is also the voice behind the EQ Elevator Podcast, where she assists businesses in cultivating leadership that's resilient and equipped for the digital age's challenges. Her work is dedicated to shaping a safer, more emotionally intelligent digital landscape, where individuals and organizations can thrive amidst technological disruptions.
The State of Vishing Report
The conversation begins with an overview of the 2024 State of Vishing Report - Managed Voice Phishing and Managed Email Phishing. These resources are available on Social-Engineer.com, providing valuable insights into the latest tactics used by scammers.
A Conversation with Nadja El Fertasi
Chris is joined by Nadja to discuss her personal experience with a romance scam. This emotional and thought-provoking conversation delves into the psychological aspects of such scams, exploring how they can affect individuals and the importance of building resilience in the face of adversity.
Nadja shares her story, revealing the complexities of being targeted by a scammer who promised love and connection. She discusses how this experience has shaped her approach to cybersecurity and digital transformation, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence and strategic communication.
Lessons Learned
As Nadja reflects on her experience, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, assertiveness, and trust-building in avoiding romance scams. She also stresses the significance of seeking support from loved ones, authorities, or organizations specializing in emotional resilience.
"A gift and a curse," Nadja notes, highlighting the dual nature of this experience. While it has taught her valuable lessons about human behavior and digital safety, it has also left emotional scars that she continues to navigate.
Conclusion
The conversation concludes with Nadja sharing her online presence and resources for those seeking support or guidance on building resilience in the digital age. As we reflect on this episode, we are reminded of the importance of fostering emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and trust-building in our personal and professional lives.
Find Nadja El Fertasi Online
You can find Nadja El Fertasi online through her EQ Elevator Podcast, where she continues to share valuable insights on leadership, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Visit EQ-Elevator.com for more information.