How can you use communication to foster a secure culture?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate security effectively is to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly. Different audiences may have different levels of technical knowledge, security awareness, and interest in your security architecture. For example, you may need to use more technical terms and details when talking to developers, but more business-oriented language and benefits when talking to executives. You should also consider the tone, style, and format of your communication, depending on the context and purpose of your message. For example, you may use a formal report for a security audit, but a casual chat for a security tip.

2 Promote security awareness and education

The second step to communicate security effectively is to promote security awareness and education among your audience. Security awareness and education are essential to create a secure culture, as they can help your audience understand the importance of security, the risks and threats they face, and the best practices and policies they should follow. You can promote security awareness and education by using various methods, such as training sessions, workshops, newsletters, posters, quizzes, games, or incentives. You should also make your security awareness and education engaging, relevant, and interactive, to capture and maintain your audience's attention and interest.

3 Handle feedback and criticism

The third step to communicate security effectively is to handle feedback and criticism from your audience. Feedback and criticism are inevitable and valuable parts of communication, as they can help you improve your security architecture, identify gaps and issues, and build trust and rapport with your audience. You should handle feedback and criticism by listening actively, acknowledging and appreciating the input, asking clarifying questions, addressing the concerns, and following up on the actions. You should also avoid being defensive, dismissive, or argumentative, as these can damage your credibility and relationship with your audience.

4 Leverage communication tools and channels

The fourth step to communicate security effectively is to leverage communication tools and channels that suit your needs and preferences. Communication tools and channels are the mediums and platforms that you use to deliver your message to your audience. They can range from traditional methods, such as email, phone, or face-to-face meetings, to modern methods, such as instant messaging, video conferencing, or social media. You should leverage communication tools and channels by choosing the ones that are convenient, accessible, and reliable for you and your audience. You should also use the appropriate features and functions of each tool and channel, such as encryption, attachments, or emojis, to enhance your communication.

5 Use communication frameworks and models

The fifth step to communicate security effectively is to use communication frameworks and models that can help you structure and organize your message. Communication frameworks and models are the methods and techniques that you use to plan, design, and deliver your message to your audience. They can help you clarify your communication goals, identify your key points, select your evidence and examples, and arrange your content logically and coherently. Some examples of communication frameworks and models are the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed), or the AIDA model (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action).

6 Evaluate and improve your communication

The sixth and final step to communicate security effectively is to evaluate and improve your communication based on the results and feedback that you receive. Evaluation and improvement are essential to ensure that your communication is achieving its intended goals, meeting your audience's needs and expectations, and reflecting your security standards and values. You can evaluate and improve your communication by using various methods, such as surveys, metrics, analytics, or peer reviews. You should also seek continuous learning and development opportunities, such as courses, books, podcasts, or mentors, to enhance your communication skills and knowledge.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?