What are the most effective ways to present technical reports for Cybersecurity?
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Technical reports are an essential part of cybersecurity, especially when it comes to forensic analysis, incident response, and risk assessment. However, writing and presenting technical reports can be challenging, as you need to balance accuracy, clarity, and relevance for your audience. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective ways to present technical reports for cybersecurity, based on best practices and expert tips.
Before you start writing or presenting your technical report, you need to define your purpose and audience. What is the main goal of your report? What are the key questions or problems that you are addressing? Who are you writing or presenting for? What is their level of technical knowledge and interest? How will they use your report? These questions will help you shape your report's content, structure, and tone, and avoid unnecessary or confusing details.
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Mohammed Fathy 🇵🇸
Senior Cyber Security Engineer
Executive Summary: Start with a succinct summary of key points. Structured Format: Use clear sections; Introduction, Methodology, Findings, etc. Visual Aids: Include charts, graphs, and infographics. Technical vs. Non-Technical Content: Separate detailed technical data into appendices. Key Risks and Impacts: Highlight and prioritize risks and business impacts. Actionable Recommendations: Provide clear, prioritized recommendations with timelines. Accessible Language: Minimize jargon; explain necessary technical terms. Peer Review: Have technical experts review for accuracy. Framework Alignment: Align with recognized cybersecurity frameworks. Use Cases/Analogies: Employ for explaining complex concepts.
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Gonzalo Latorre
Cybersecurity Leader | Solution Architect | IAM | CIAM | IGA | Identity CoE | Advisory | Deloitte
Perhaps this phrase sounds very cliche and repetitive, but it is fundamental. You must know your audience. This will guide the entire message that you want to communicate. But made no mistake here, this is the tricky part. Getting to know exactly your audience will boost your probability of executing a successful communication process.
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A technical report should have a clear and logical structure that guides your audience through your findings, analysis, and recommendations. To do this, an executive summary should provide a concise overview of the report's main points, conclusions, and actions. Then, the introduction should set the context, scope, and objectives of the report, as well as explain the methodology and sources used. The body of the report should present the results, evidence, and arguments in a coherent and consistent way with appropriate headings, subheadings, and transitions. Afterward, a conclusion should summarize the main findings, implications, and limitations of the report while providing clear and actionable recommendations. Finally, an appendix should contain any additional or supporting information like tables, charts, graphs, code snippets or references.
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Antoine Carossio
Cofounder CTO @Escape | Speaker | x-Apple | UC Berkeley • Y Combinator • Polytechnique • HEC Alumn
As the french proverb goes "one image is worth a thousand words", don't hesitate to emphasize on using diagrams or even drawings to make things as clear as possible. Don't put too much words on your visual presentation, the goal of the presentation is to illustrate your speech and not the opposite !
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Rocco Sicilia
Cyber Security Consultant and Researcher // Addicted to hacking
Regarding the structure, I really like the Golden Circle theory by Simon Sinek, which consists of "Why, How, What". In this context, it would be valuable to apply this method to explain the project's objectives, followed by discussing the methodology and the analysis's output and outcomes.
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Visual aids and examples can enhance your technical report by making it easier to understand, remember, and apply. Visual aids, such as graphs, charts, diagrams, or screenshots, can help you illustrate complex or abstract concepts, show trends or patterns, or highlight key points. Examples, such as case studies, scenarios, or anecdotes, can help you demonstrate the relevance or impact of your report, or provide concrete evidence or illustrations. However, you should use visual aids and examples sparingly and strategically, and make sure they are relevant, accurate, and well-labeled.
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Pete Herzog
Hacker, Discrete Problem-Solver, and Straight-shooter.
While some may abscond from the idea, consider using Interpretive Dance over PowerPoint for maximum effectiveness. Ultimately you'll be dancing around their points anyways so might as well give it meaning.
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Laura A. Jones, Ph.D., C-CRO, CRISC, CISM
Cyber/Information Security and Risk Strategist | Focused on the Business | Proud Military Veteran | Author and Int'l Speaker
Graphics add visual interest to presentations and can spare the presenter (and audience) from an overly wordy briefing. The visuals should complement the presenter's voice track rather than distract; keep the graphics informative but easy to read. The data display, accuracy of metrics, and, yes, even the colors used can help or hurt presentations. Graphics can also support the 'visual learners' of the audience. Data displays can help strengthen briefings.
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The language of your technical report should be clear and concise, avoiding jargon, slang, or unnecessary words. You should use simple and direct sentences, active voice, and precise and consistent terms. You should also use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and follow a standard style guide or format. You should avoid ambiguity, vagueness, or exaggeration, and provide definitions or explanations for any acronyms or technical terms that your audience may not be familiar with.
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Gonzalo Latorre
Cybersecurity Leader | Solution Architect | IAM | CIAM | IGA | Identity CoE | Advisory | Deloitte
Most of your report are going to be words that are complemented by the visual tools you choose. Finding the right words to execute a excellent communication process is not easy, and most of the time, will imply the hardest work of the report.
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Daniel Baloch
Cybersecurity Specialist | Practitioner | Ethicial Hacker | Researcher
It's crucial to communicate with clarity. To convey complex ideas effectively, using clear and concise language is a must. Avoid technical jargon, slang, and unnecessary words. Instead, opt for straightforward sentences, active voice, and precise terms. Ensure your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are spot on, following a standard style guide. Steer clear of ambiguity and provide explanations for acronyms or unfamiliar technical terms. For instance, when explaining a security breach, it's best to keep it simple and direct, so everyone can grasp the situation. As George Orwell wisely said, "Good writing is like a windowpane." Make your language crystal clear to ensure your message shines through.
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If you need to present your technical report orally, you should practice and prepare beforehand to ensure a smooth and effective delivery. You should rehearse your presentation several times, using notes, slides, or cue cards to help you remember your main points. You should also time your presentation and adjust it to fit the allotted time frame. You should prepare for any questions or feedback that your audience may have, and anticipate any potential challenges or objections. You should also check the equipment, venue, and audience size before your presentation, and dress and speak professionally and confidently.
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Gonzalo Latorre
Cybersecurity Leader | Solution Architect | IAM | CIAM | IGA | Identity CoE | Advisory | Deloitte
I personally think that practice makes the master. So yes, practice it is fundamental also, but once you have done several presentations, you will achieve more security and fluency in your presentations.
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Daniel Baloch
Cybersecurity Specialist | Practitioner | Ethicial Hacker | Researcher
Preparing for an oral presentation is paramount. Practice is key; rehearse your presentation thoroughly, using notes or slides to stay on track. Time management is crucial, ensuring your content fits the allocated timeframe. Be ready for questions and anticipate potential challenges. Before the presentation, check the equipment and venue, and consider the audience size. Professional attire and confident speaking enhance your credibility. Think of it like preparing for a critical cybersecurity assessment – attention to detail is everything.
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Rob Black
I help business leaders manage cybersecurity risk to enable sales. | Virtual CISO to SaaS companies, building cyber programs. | vCISO | Fractional CISO | SOC 2 | TX-RAMP | Cybersecurity Consulting
Make sure to provide business context to all of your technical reports. Listing many vulnerabilities is not going to be useful for most audiences. Explaining how these vulnerabilities can be exploited and the bad business outcomes from them will make your report much more valuable almost regardless of audience.
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Arjun BM
The goal is to make technical reports understandable and relevant to non-technical audiences as well. Run it by a non-tech person first and guage initial feedback on improvements. Address one concept in each sentence or point and not overcrowd the content. When explaining technical concepts, focus on the desired impact you want to achieve. Encourage your audience to ask questions if they don’t understand something. Try to avoid technical jargon when possible and explain your concepts in simple English language and surely incorporate story-telling. Use visuals and aids for higher impact. Finally, end your presentation with the key take-aways, and call-to-action.
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