The Importance of Effective Writing in Cybersecurity
Writing is something we often take for granted. We’ve all learned the 26 letters of the alphabet, enabling us to write everything from hastily jotted notes to comprehensive documentation. However, as you may have noticed when reviewing a coworker’s reports or organizational briefs, many professionals lack the training or motivation to articulate their thoughts clearly. This introductory post will highlight why effective writing is essential—not just for you, but for your organization and the industry as a whole.
Starting with the individual, writing clearly helps in many ways. It allows you to document and explain your weekly tasks, ensuring a record of your efforts. It helps you convey instructions clearly, making people more receptive to your requests. Clear communication can make your demands more understandable and acceptable to others.
From a team perspective, effective writing and documentation are indispensable. Detailed documentation ensures that anyone can pick up where you left off, even if you are temporarily unavailable. It helps team members understand the current status of each task. Well-written SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) enable any L1 Analyst to perform complex tasks with minimal guidance.
As members of the cybersecurity industry, our writing impacts the community. Despite being a competitive field, cybersecurity is highly collaborative. Resources and blogs (including this one) help everyone stay updated on niche security topics. Learning effective communication helps you share your expertise, whether in OT Security, reverse engineering, or mapping APTs to various attack frameworks.
Improving writing and communication skills is crucial for cybersecurity professionals. Here are some quick tips:
- Write for your audience. Understand the difference between shorthand for yourself and formal writing for senior management.
- Balance language and detail. Use simple language while providing sufficient detail. Too brief, and you won’t convey anything; too long, and readers might get lost.
- Avoid jargon and explain acronyms the first time you use them to avoid confusion.
- Organize your ideas. Keep your writing structured and coherent.
- Spell check and review. Always proofread before finalizing your document.
For example, when writing to-do lists for yourself, shorthand is fine. When writing formal reports, use professional language and provide context. Instead of saying, "I emailed Todd about the asset list," say, "Currently tracking down outdated and vulnerable servers. Coordinating with the Services Team (POC: Todd Johnson) to remediate. Currently, 15 servers remain out of 120."
Use the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) method for executive summaries. Focus on the main points and avoid unnecessary details. For example, "Current status: 15 servers out of 120 remaining on the upgrade project. Blockers: access to the Talos domain and coordination from Todd and the Services Team."
Avoid idioms, metaphors, and jargon that can confuse non-native English speakers or newcomers to your organization. Plan your writing before you start. Use templates to increase productivity and ensure coherence. A quick spellcheck can catch errors that might otherwise undermine your credibility.
Effective writing is a crucial skill in cybersecurity. It enhances personal documentation, improves team collaboration, and contributes to the industry. By understanding your audience, balancing language and detail, avoiding jargon, organizing your ideas, and proofreading your work, you can significantly improve your writing skills. Implement these tips and watch your writing—and professional reputation—improve.