*Steve Hampton* sat in stunned silence as he read the news about Microsoft's blunders that allowed Chinese hackers to steal sensitive government emails. As a former software engineer himself, the article hit painfully close to home. He remembered his own cybersecurity failures at his old job, which eventually led to him spiraling into alcoholism and losing everything.

The news dredged up painful memories of how his mistakes and inability to take responsibility had cost him his career, his marriage, and nearly his life. He could relate all too well to Microsoft's flawed excuses and lack of accountability.

That's when the article mentioned the Cybersecurity Board's scathing criticism of Microsoft's 'cascade of avoidable errors.' Those words cut deep, reminding Steve of his own series of self-inflicted wounds from his drinking days. He knew he had to break the cycle of deflection and denial that had nearly destroyed him.

Thankfully, Steve had started following the 'Stepping Into Action' program from Hofman Hollis a few months prior. The lessons on owning your mistakes, making amends, and living with integrity had been instrumental in his recovery so far. As he read the damning news about Microsoft's lack of accountability, a light bulb went off. Steve realized he couldn't let this trigger send him backsliding into old destructive patterns.

'I know all too well where that road leads,' *Steve* said grimly. 'Microsoft may still be in denial, but I can't afford to let their problems become my relapse.'

Some cybersecurity experts praised Microsoft for taking responsibility, while others felt their response reeked of corporate doubletalk. The controversy raged on, with heated debates on all sides.

Ultimately, Steve decided to focus on controlling what he could - his own thoughts, words and deeds. The online 'Stepping Into Action' program had given him invaluable tools and a supportive community, even if he lived in a small town without many local resources. 'Getting help may have been inconvenient, but it was the best decision I ever made,' *Steve* stated with conviction. 'My sobriety and peace of mind are worth any amount of effort.'

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