How do you talk web security with developers and stakeholders?

2 Use common language

One of the biggest barriers to talking web security is the jargon and acronyms that are often used in this field. You should avoid using technical terms that your audience may not understand or may confuse with other meanings. Instead, you should use simple and common language that conveys the essence of the security concept or issue. For example, instead of saying "XSS", you could say "a type of attack where hackers inject malicious code into your website". Instead of saying "SSL/TLS", you could say "a way to encrypt the data that travels between your website and your users".

3 Provide examples and scenarios

Another way to make web security more understandable and relevant to your audience is to provide examples and scenarios that illustrate the security problem or solution. You should use realistic and relatable examples that show the impact of web security on the project and the users. For example, you could show how a security breach could expose sensitive information, damage the website functionality, or harm the brand reputation. You could also show how a security feature could enhance the user trust, prevent data loss, or comply with regulations.

4 Focus on benefits and solutions

When you talk web security, you should not only highlight the risks and threats, but also the benefits and solutions. You should emphasize how web security can help achieve the project goals, meet the user expectations, and create value for the business. You should also propose practical and feasible solutions that address the security challenges and fit the project scope and resources. For example, you could suggest using a reputable web security service, following a security checklist, or adopting a security framework.

5 Listen and collaborate

Talking web security is not a one-way lecture, but a two-way dialogue. You should listen to the feedback, questions, and opinions of your audience and respect their perspectives and expertise. You should also collaborate with them to find the best way to integrate web security into the project workflow and culture. You should invite them to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions and involve them in the decision-making and implementation process. You should also provide support, guidance, and training as needed.

6 Follow up and update

Talking web security is not a one-time event, but an ongoing conversation. You should follow up with your audience and update them on the progress, results, and challenges of web security. You should also monitor and evaluate the web security performance and effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary. You should also keep yourself and your audience informed and updated on the latest web security trends, standards, and best practices and apply them to the project as appropriate.