Communication Skills in Cybersecurity

This blog is based on a conversation we had with Eugene Lim. Eugene is a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer who has earned the OSCP, OSCE3, and OSEE certifications. Follow him on X @spaceraccoonsec and learn about infosec and white hat hacking from his blog.

The significance of communication skills in cybersecurity often goes unnoticed, eclipsed by the technical acumen required to be a successful cybersecurity practitioner. We discussed the topic of communication skills in cybersecurity with Eugene Lim, a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer who holds the OSCP, OSCE3, and OSEE certifications. He shared a series of insights about how effective communication is not just a supplementary skill but a fundamental necessity. This blog explores Eugene’s perspectives on communication within cybersecurity, reflecting on its importance, the challenges it presents, and the path toward improving this underrated skill.

How Effective Communication Safeguards Organizations

Why is the conversation about communication in cybersecurity so crucial? The answer lies in the collaborative nature of the field. Cybersecurity is complex and multifaceted, requiring coordinated efforts across different departments and disciplines.

Effective communication is the linchpin that ensures everyone, from developers to executives, understands the stakes and their role in safeguarding the organization. It’s about making the technical aspects of cybersecurity accessible and actionable for all stakeholders, enhancing the collective ability to respond to and mitigate threats.

Communication Under Pressure

When faced with an imminent cyber threat, the pressure mounts, and the margin for error narrows. Eugene highlighted the intense pressure cybersecurity professionals face, especially when dealing with active threats or vulnerabilities. The situation often escalates to a crisis, where decision-making and clear communication become paramount.

Eugene’s experience underscored the critical nature of having well-established protocols or playbooks that guide actions and communication during high-stress situations. The emphasis on preparation and adherence to core principles, even under stress, served as a reminder that effective communication is not spontaneous but the result of meticulous planning and clarity of purpose.

Demonstrating Impact to Stakeholders

Discovering a vulnerability is only the first step. The ability to articulate the problem and its potential solutions in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders is what bridges the gap between identification and resolution.

Eugene recalled the positive feedback he received for well-written vulnerability reports, which not only expedited the triage process but also demonstrated the tangible value of clear communication. This experience highlighted the importance of honing writing skills, as the clarity and precision of reports could significantly impact an organization’s ability to respond to threats efficiently.

Establishing Cybersecurity Mechanisms

Eugene elaborated on the importance of comprehensive and understandable technical documentation. Creating detailed records, such as Architectural Decision Records (ADRs), serves multiple purposes. It aids future team members in understanding the rationale behind specific technical choices, facilitates ongoing improvement, and ensures that critical information is accessible and clear. This approach not only benefits the immediate team but also contributes to the organization’s long-term resilience by fostering an environment where decisions are well-documented and easily reviewable.

A fundamental principle Eugene advocated for is the shift from blaming individuals to examining systemic failures. The notion that “good intentions don’t work, mechanisms do” is a call to focus on building robust systems rather than attributing failures to human error. This perspective encourages a more constructive approach to cybersecurity, where the emphasis is on identifying and strengthening weaknesses in processes and systems rather than pointing fingers. It’s about building a culture that prioritizes learning and improvement over blame, which can lead to more effective and resilient cybersecurity practices.

How to Improve Your Communication Skills

For cybersecurity professionals looking to improve their communication skills, Eugene’s insights offer several actionable steps:

• Develop Clear Playbooks: Start by crafting comprehensive playbooks for a range of potential cybersecurity scenarios. These should include step-by-step response strategies, communication protocols, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. The goal is to ensure that, in the event of an attack, the team can respond swiftly and effectively, with minimal confusion.
• Practice Writing Skills: Focus on improving your ability to write clear, concise, and actionable reports. Practice translating technical findings into language that can be easily understood by non-technical stakeholders. This skill is invaluable in expediting the response to vulnerabilities and ensuring that critical information is communicated effectively.
• Document Rationale: Make it a habit to document the reasoning behind technical decisions, using tools like Architectural Decision Records (ADRs). This practice not only aids in transparency and future reference but also encourages a culture of thoughtful decision-making and accountability.
• Shift the Blame Culture: Work towards fostering an environment that looks beyond individual blame to systemic improvements. Encourage open discussions about failures and vulnerabilities as opportunities for learning and strengthening cybersecurity mechanisms.
• Enhance Collaboration: Actively seek opportunities to improve communication with stakeholders across the organization. This could involve regular briefings, workshops, or simulations designed to demystify cybersecurity issues and foster a shared understanding of the organization’s security posture.

In conclusion, Eugene’s experiences and advice highlight the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. By adopting a proactive approach to communication, developing effective documentation practices, and shifting away from a blame-centric culture, cybersecurity professionals can significantly enhance their ability to protect their organizations. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and effectively will remain an indispensable skill for anyone in the field.