Recently, I reached out to our IT department to report an issue with my PC. Their response? PICNIC!
If you’re not familiar with this term, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Like me, you’ll probably need to consult the dictionary of TLAs (Three-Letter Acronyms). These handy abbreviations have become staples of modern communication, and for good reason—they’re fast, efficient, and ever-evolving. After a quick search, I discovered the meaning behind PICNIC: “Problem In Chair, Not In Computer.”
In other words, the fault was not with the computer but with the person operating it—me. Not exactly flattering, but it beats being told to “smart power reboot” (IT-speak for turning it off and on again). Better still, it’s preferable to “ADIH” (Another Day in Hell) or a proverbial slap with a wet fish.
Of course, even my own company, BAT, is itself a TLA.
Jokes aside, PICNIC raises a serious point. Most technology problems do originate in the chair. It’s not just a humorous dig but a stark reminder: the greatest risk to your business sits in front of the screen.
Whether it’s insufficient training, clicking on phishing emails, or plain carelessness, human error is often the weak link. In fact, the majority of cyberattacks come from insiders. This isn’t speculation—it’s a fact.
If your company hasn’t experienced a cyberattack yet, consider yourself lucky, but don’t get complacent. Chances are, it’s only a matter of time. When it happens, it won’t just be “goodbye”—it could feel more like “B4N” (Bye for Now).
The best way to mitigate these risks? Trust in Technology. Invest in the right technology and trust it to do what it’s designed to do. We already see this in action—self-driving cars have fewer accidents, auto-pilot rarely malfunctions, and Google Maps reliably finds the quickest route to your destination. Technology, when used properly, is more reliable than human intervention.
The lesson here is simple: empower your IT department, trust the systems you’ve invested in, and prioritize employee training. As Anne Robinson might say: “You are the weakest link. Goodbye!”
By improving cyber awareness, training staff, and leaning into cutting-edge tech, businesses can better protect themselves from the inevitable and ensure that when the next PICNIC moment arises, it’s a little less painful.