How can you improve collaboration with other departments?

1 Communicate your goals and expectations

One of the first steps to improve collaboration is to communicate your goals and expectations clearly and consistently. Explain why information security is vital for the organization's success and reputation, and how it affects each department's operations and objectives. Define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, and the policies and procedures they need to follow. Use simple and accessible language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and provide examples and scenarios to illustrate your points. Make sure you listen to their feedback, questions, and concerns, and address them promptly and respectfully.

2 Provide training and support

Another way to improve collaboration is to provide training and support to other departments on information security topics and issues. You can design and deliver workshops, webinars, newsletters, quizzes, or games to educate them on the latest trends, threats, and best practices. You can also create and share resources, such as guides, checklists, templates, or tools, to help them implement security measures and standards. You can also offer your expertise and assistance when they need help with security audits, assessments, or incidents. By providing training and support, you can increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence, and build trust and rapport.

3 Involve them in decision making and problem solving

A third way to improve collaboration is to involve other departments in decision making and problem solving related to information security. You can invite them to join security committees, working groups, or task forces, where they can share their insights, opinions, and suggestions. You can also consult them on security policies, plans, or projects, and solicit their feedback and approval. You can also encourage them to report security issues, incidents, or risks, and work with them to find solutions and prevent recurrence. By involving them in decision making and problem solving, you can foster a sense of ownership, engagement, and accountability.

5 Maintain regular and open communication

A fifth way to improve collaboration is to maintain regular and open communication with other departments on information security matters. You can establish and use various channels, such as emails, meetings, calls, or chats, to communicate with them frequently and effectively. You can also update them on security news, events, or changes, and inform them of any issues, incidents, or risks. You can also ask them for their feedback, questions, or concerns, and respond to them timely and courteously. You can also share your feedback, questions, or concerns, and seek their input and support. By maintaining regular and open communication, you can keep them informed, involved, and aligned.

6 Learn from each other and grow together

A sixth way to improve collaboration is to learn from each other and grow together as information security partners. You can exchange ideas, experiences, and lessons learned with other departments on information security topics and issues. You can also seek and offer advice, guidance, and mentoring on information security challenges and opportunities. You can also explore and pursue new ways to improve information security processes, practices, or outcomes. You can also support and encourage each other to achieve information security goals and objectives. By learning from each other and growing together, you can enhance your mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration.

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?