As you probably know, there’s no context-free definition of security (and if you didn’t, let this be a wake-up call for you). And one of the key things I talked about in last month’s issue of the newsletter is that the ultimate mission and purpose of security isn’t about you.
I know…shocker, right?
But yet, if you were a fly on the wall in most conversations between “security” and any kind of “non-security” stakeholder, in my experience it’s a lot like that classic Far Side Cartoon:
What security says:
“We need to make sure your sensitive data is encrypted so we don’t have a data breach due to some unpatched vulnerability somewhere in our infrastructure. Where do you keep your data?”
What the stakeholder hears:
“We need to……breach…your…data?”
And that’s if they’re still sitting in the room with you. Which they might be, if they’re checking their phone, answering emails, watching cat videos or checking FacedIn because you lost them at the 3rd word…
Or, they’re dead.
The key to successful stakeholder interviews is: it’s all about them. Everything you do in your mission and purpose as security is about doing something to support everyone else in the organization.
So I want you to think back to the last 1…2…or even 3 conversations you’ve had with a non-security stakeholder, and then I want you to tell me who did most of the talking.
If it was you, you’re doing it wrong.
To do better, pay attention to all the goodness oozing from the pages of the September Security Sanity™ newsletter where I talk all about the right way to engage with stakeholders so you actually can figure out what matters to them…
…so you know what you’re actually supposed to be spending your time doing.
And another hint: standing on the parapets swinging away at the green, scaly mutant dog-like cyberattackers like some Medieval Matt Damon is NOT what you’re supposed to be doing with the majority of your time.
Instead, if you change your stakeholder engagement ways like I describe in the September issue, you’ll have a much easier time focusing on what your customers want and earning the support and respect you deserve for doing your best to keep your organizations safe.
Subscribe now to make sure you get the September issue here: https://securitysanity.com
And stay safe,
ast
—
Andrew S. Townley
Archistry Chief Executive
