In cloud security, we often find ourselves using a lot of technical jargon. This language is important for precise communication among peers. Nonetheless, it can be a significant barrier when interacting with non-technical stakeholders. Today, let’s explore how we can bridge this communication gap and enhance our effectiveness as cloud security professionals.
The Challenge of Technical Translation
As cloud security experts, we’re accustomed to discussing concepts like “IAM policies,” “VPC peering,” and “zero-trust architecture.” We often face blank stares or confused nods when we use these terms with executives. The same happens with clients or colleagues from other departments. This disconnect can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned priorities, and even security vulnerabilities.
The Power of Simplification
The key to overcoming this challenge lies in our ability to simplify complex ideas without losing their essence. Here’s a practical approach:
- Find the core concept: Before you start explaining, distill the technical idea. Focus on its fundamental purpose. Consider its impact. Now that you have that, incorporate step two.
- Use analogies: Draw parallels between the technical concept that you simplified and everyday experiences. These should be experiences your audience can relate to. As you do this, don’t lose sight of point number three.
- Focus on outcomes: Okay, for this part, you need to emphasize the business impact. Discuss the risk implications rather than the technical details. The business impact or the risk to the business is the language most non-technical folks are going to connect with. It’s about how your job and the information you convey relate to their job. This connection impacts what they are focused on.
- Avoid acronyms: Finally, spell out any abbreviations unless you’re 100% certain your audience is familiar with them. Explain these abbreviations that you would use with your peers. Be sure to clarify their meaning. Sometimes they will nod as if they know what it means, but they don’t. Just explain it, but do so in a way that isn’t demeaning to the listener. This is something you need to practice.
Putting It Into Practice
Let’s take a common cloud security concept: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Here’s how we explain it to a non-technical executive:
“Imagine your house has a front door with a standard lock. That’s like a password – it’s good, but if someone get past that lock, and opens the door, they’re in. Multi-Factor Authentication is like adding an alarm system. Now, even if someone gets past the front door, they must enter the code to disarm the alarm. This prevents triggering other security measures. In our cloud systems, this drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.”
Pretty simple right?
The Impact of Clear Communication
By giving some extra focus to the art of translating technical concepts, you can:
- Secure buy-in for critical security initiatives more easily
- Improve collaboration with non-technical teams
- Enhance our professional reputation and influence
A Challenge for You
I want to leave you with something that you can try and will help you get better at this. So, this week, try this exercise:
Choose a complex cloud security concept you’re working with. Explain it to a non-technical friend or family member in under two minutes. Ask them to explain it back to you. If they can grasp and articulate the main idea, you’re on the right track!
Remember, how we communicate can be just as important as what we know. By honing our ability to translate technical terms into clear, relatable language, we become more effective in our roles. This practice also elevates the overall security posture of our organizations.
