You’re in charge of network security. How can you maintain professional relationships?

As a network security professional, you have a lot of responsibilities and challenges to deal with. You need to protect your organization's data and systems from cyber threats, comply with regulations and standards, and keep up with the latest technologies and trends. But you also need to maintain good relationships with your colleagues, clients, and partners, who may not always understand or appreciate your role and decisions. How can you balance your technical expertise and your interpersonal skills? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

Communication is key to any successful relationship, especially in network security. You need to explain your goals, plans, and actions to different audiences, such as managers, users, vendors, and auditors. You also need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions. To communicate effectively, you should use simple and concise language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and tailor your message to the level of knowledge and interest of your listeners. You should also be respectful and polite, avoid blaming or criticizing others, and acknowledge their contributions and perspectives.

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Parker Watts

Cybersecurity Junior at Penn State University || Incoming Risk & Financial Advisory Intern @ Deloitte
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One of the unique challenges of network security is communicating messages to people of vastly different knowledge levels when it comes to networking technologies, applications and security. Make sure to tailor your communication style and message to your audience. If you are speaking to someone who is knowledgeable, feel free to talk in technical terms but when speaking with executives and decisionmakers who may not be as well versed make sure to speak in simple, jargon free terms.

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2 Educate and empower others

One of the best ways to build trust and rapport with your network security stakeholders is to educate and empower them. You can share your knowledge and insights on network security topics, such as best practices, risks, and trends. You can also provide them with tools and resources to help them protect themselves and their data, such as training, guidelines, and tips. By educating and empowering others, you can demonstrate your value and expertise, increase their awareness and engagement, and reduce their resistance and frustration.

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3 Collaborate and cooperate

Network security is not a solo task. You need to work with other network security professionals, as well as other IT and business teams, to achieve your objectives. You need to collaborate and cooperate with them, by sharing information, ideas, and solutions, supporting their initiatives, and resolving conflicts. You also need to respect their roles and responsibilities, and recognize their skills and strengths. By collaborating and cooperating with others, you can leverage their expertise and experience, improve your performance and efficiency, and foster a positive and productive network security culture.

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4 Network and learn

Another way to maintain professional relationships in network security is to network and learn from others. You can join and participate in network security communities, such as forums, groups, and events, where you can meet and interact with other network security professionals. You can also seek and offer mentorship, guidance, and feedback, to help each other grow and develop. By networking and learning from others, you can expand your network and connections, enhance your knowledge and skills, and discover new opportunities and challenges.

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5 Balance and prioritize

Finally, you need to balance and prioritize your network security tasks and relationships. You need to manage your time and energy, and focus on the most important and urgent issues and people. You also need to set boundaries and expectations, and communicate them clearly to others. You need to say no when necessary, and delegate or outsource when possible. You need to avoid burnout and stress, and take care of your physical and mental health. By balancing and prioritizing your network security work and life, you can maintain your professional relationships and your personal well-being.

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6 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?

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Abdellatif Chalghoumi

Experte für Endpoint-Security | SIEM-Spezialist | Schütze Unternehmen durch innovative Sicherheitslösungen. Welche IT-Security-Herausforderungen stehen auf Ihrer Agenda?
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Halte persönliche und geschäftliche Konten getrennt, sei vorsichtig mit sensiblen Informationen und pflege einen respektvollen Umgang mit Kollegen, auch in digitalen Kommunikationskanälen.

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You’re in charge of network security. How can you maintain professional relationships?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

2 Educate and empower others

3 Collaborate and cooperate

4 Network and learn

5 Balance and prioritize

6 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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You’re in charge of network security. How can you maintain professional relationships?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

2 Educate and empower others

3 Collaborate and cooperate

4 Network and learn

5 Balance and prioritize

6 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

Rate this article

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