IT and cybersecurity teams used to work as independent functional units in the past. Fast forward to today and they have now become an integral part of every organization. Despite this, there are still communication gaps and disconnect between cybersecurity teams and other departments. Irrespective of how much automation you put in, there is still some human element and it can both positively and negatively impact your cybersecurity.
This human element can lead to a major chunk of cybersecurity attacks and data breaches that target your organization. According to a Gertner report, human failure will be responsible for half the cybersecurity incidents in the next three years.
Due to high workloads and understaffed teams, they rarely get the time to communicate with their own teammates let alone with other employees belonging to different departments. This leaves gaps in your cybersecurity and attackers can easily take advantage of it. You can prevent this by harnessing the power of effective communication. This can also have a positive impact on the cybersecurity of your business.
In this article, you will learn about seven ways you can use to improve your cybersecurity with effective communication.
Table of Contents
7 Ways To Improve Your Cybersecurity With The Help of Communication
- Convert User Into Partners
- Create and Pursue Shared Objectives
- Stay Positive When Going Gets Tough
- Speak the Business Language
- Respect, Respect, Respect
- Build Trust
- Avoid Making Excuses
7 Ways To Improve Your Cybersecurity With The Help of Communication
Here are seven ways you can enhance your cybersecurity by using effective communication.
- Convert User Into Partners
Cybersecurity is like a long-term battle. As a result, most cybersecurity teams tend to develop a fighting mindset. There is nothing wrong with that when you are up against some complex challenges like dealing with ever-evolving and expanding enterprise attack surface, navigating the shift to digital transformation and remote work, budget constraints, different types of cybersecurity attacks, insider threats, and other threats.
Instead, you should look at your users as your partners. This shift in mindset will change your complete perspective on cybersecurity. Educate them so they are less likely to fall victim to social engineering attacks such as phishing attacks. Invest in Anti DDoS solutions to prevent business disruption. Cybersecurity awareness can convert users into an asset as they can detect those vulnerabilities and report them to you.
- Create and Pursue Shared Objectives
It is common to see a lack of business-IT alignment in organizations. Business, marketing, and sales teams are focused on generating more sales and increasing their revenue while cybersecurity teams are more geared toward keeping everything safe. There is a huge disconnect between the objectives of both teams. This leads to conflicts at the workplace.
To fix this problem, you will have to create shared objectives that both teams agree upon. Sit together, communicate, and collaborate on shared objectives and develop a strategy to pursue them. When you look at the big picture, you will realize that all the organization’s goals are shared and they trickle down from the top.
- Stay Positive When Going Gets Tough
Sometimes, things are not going your way. This is when you should keep your body language positive. Instead of indulging in blame games and laying a lot of emphasis on mistakes, errors, or mishaps, it is better to adopt positive behavior. Learn from these mistakes and move on. As a cybersecurity leader, you should take responsibility for team failure. Avoid criticism for the sake of it, instead opt for constructive criticism that focuses on bringing future improvements.
- Speak the Business Language
Another common complaint business people have regarding IT and cybersecurity teams is they speak in their own language. They use complex jargons and terminologies which business people don’t understand. As a representative of the cybersecurity team in board meetings, you should learn to speak business language.
Focus on things these top business executives care about. For instance, business executives usually want to see ROI numbers, how money can be saved, and how much time will be required to implement your cybersecurity initiative. Once you talk in their language, they are more inclined to listen and take your points more seriously.
- Respect, Respect, Respect
Did you know that most cybersecurity leaders quit their job, retire or switch careers? This happens due to work-related stress and poor work-life balance. This can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. As a result, you can also exhibit rude behavior towards your team. This demoralizes them and kills their motivation.
You should avoid it at all costs as it can do more harm to your employees than good. Even if you want to convey something bad, do so in a polite way. Respect your team members and be careful about the words you choose.
- Build Trust
One of the most important things you need to do to rally your troops is to build trust. You will have to set an example for them to follow. For instance, if you are pushing your team to do something you will have to do it first. Get in the trenches and get your hands dirty. Show them that you are as involved and engaged as they are in this initiative. Passing orders from behind the desk does not work anymore.
Next, give your team members autonomy and opportunities to express themselves. Listen to their perspective and incorporate that feedback to bring future improvements. Give them new and different roles and see how they perform. This will make them feel valuable and sends a message that you trust them.
- Avoid Making Excuses
I don’t have time and money. The situation is not conclusive. I don’t have access to qualified staff to drive cybersecurity initiatives to success. All of them are excuses. Avoid making these excuses and take one small step at a time toward better cybersecurity. Waiting for the right time or the magical moment will only keep you waiting as your competitors will get ahead in the race.
How do you use communication to improve your cybersecurity? Share it with us in the comments section below.
