Have you ever wondered if your job is secure?
Has a friend or coworker shared with you their concerns about job security?
Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss the phrase “false sense of security.”
You’ll also learn related phrases to help you connect in English about security in the workplace.
Popularity of security systems
Michelle asks Lindsay if she thinks more homes in the U.S. use security systems than in the past.
Lindsay has found that security systems are more common now because of the internet.
One example Lindsay points out is the installation of cameras at a person’s front door.
These can be used to confirm the arrival of packages.
In the U.S. “porch pirates” have been known to steal packages from the front porches of homes.
False sense of security?
Michelle wonders if these cameras add a false sense of security.
This may be the case because we assume a camera will dissuade thieves.
The assumption is that they’d search for another house that does not have security cameras.
The phrase “false sense of security” is often used in the business world.
It means to think something is keeping you safe when it really isn’t.
It’s giving you the appearance of keeping you safe in some way.
This can be physical security, but also job security or emotional security.
Examples:
- He thinks his job is safe, but I think he has a false sense of security because he’s the only one who can operate the IT system. He doesn’t realize others can learn it as well.
- We are in first place now, but let’s not develop a false sense of security. We still need to push harder than ever to maintain our rank.
- They made a lot of money up front, which gave them a false sense of security. They ended up spending it all.
Lindsay’s false sense of security
Michelle asks Lindsay if she has ever had a sense of false security in either business or in her personal life.
Lindsay shares that this happened when she got fired from a job that she had felt was secure.
Unfortunately, she was fired due to a technicality in the school’s rules.
There are many phrases we use in English when discussing security.
#1: Job security
This refers to how likely it is you will keep your job.
Example:
With AI, it seems a lot of people will be losing their job security.
#2: Security risk
This refers to vulnerabilities or threats that can lead to negative outcomes if not addressed.
These are data breaches, unauthorized access to account information, or damage to system data.
Example:
It’s a security risk to leave your computer open, even though it doesn’t seem like anyone else is coming in today.
#3: Security breach
This is a type of security risk where security has been compromised.
Security breaches often involve access to private data.
This is often called a “data breach.”
Example:
I got a notification that there was a security breach at our office.
Roleplay
Lindsay and Michelle share a roleplay using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
This will help you better understand how to use these terms in an English conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are colleagues who are going over security measures at work.
Michelle: Okay, so we need to review if there are any security risks we haven’t thought of before.
Lindsay: Right. I honestly think we have had a false sense of security and need to evaluate everything before there’s something like a security breach. We wouldn’t be in good shape if that happened.
Michelle: Right. This is why your job security is so strong! You know everything about this.
Lindsay: Thanks!
Takeaway
We all like to feel safe and settled, but sometimes getting too comfortable can blind us to the risks around us.
It could be thinking your job is stable, believing only you can manage a system, or assuming that quick money will last forever.
You don’t want to be caught off guard.
The better approach is to stay proactive.
Look ahead, spot where the cracks might be, and have a backup plan.
At work, that might mean keeping your skills sharp and not assuming your role will never change.
In life, it could be financial planning, protecting your data, or simply knowing that there is no perfect safety net.
Check out episode BE 465: Tricky? Complex? or Challenging? How to Describe Hard Things at Work to learn more ways of talking about your projects and tasks at work.
What questions do you have about business English?
Let us know in the comments below.
