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SEC402: Cybersecurity Writing: Hack the Reader

SEC402Digital Forensics and Incident Response
  • 12 Hours (Self-Paced)
Course created by:
Lenny Zeltser
Lenny Zeltser
Register NowCourse Preview
FOR528: Ransomware and Cyber Extortion
Course created by:
Lenny Zeltser
Lenny Zeltser
Register NowCourse Preview
  • 12 CPEs

    Apply your credits to renew your certifications

  • Self-paced

    Train at your own pace from wherever you are

  • Essential Skill Level

    Course material is for individuals with an understanding of IT or cyber security concepts

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Improve persuasive communication techniques to breach readers' defenses, ensuring security reports influence decisions even when audiences resist engaging with technical content.

Featured Quote

Outstanding course. Provides a writing framework/rubric to evaluate & guide future writing.
Jordan WhitleyNew York Life

Course Overview

Security professionals possess technical prowess but often struggle to effectively communicate critical findings. This course equips cybersecurity practitioners with sophisticated communication strategies for penetrating reader indifference. Through targeted exercises built on real-world scenarios, participants dissect problematic security communications and rebuild them using five essential elements of effective writing. The curriculum focuses on practical implementation rather than theoretical grammar rules, enabling participants to immediately elevate their incident reports, threat assessments, and security advisories. By strengthening writing capabilities, security professionals can ensure their technical insights achieve the operational impact they deserve within their organizations.

What You'll Learn

  • Implement reader-centric approaches that penetrate resistance
  • Craft irrefutable arguments through strategic document structure
  • Deploy visual elements that command immediate attention
  • Eliminate language barriers between technical and business teams
  • Transform dry security data into compelling action narratives

Business Takeaways

  • Increase implementation rates of security recommendations
  • Reduce miscommunication incidents during security events
  • Enhance cross-departmental comprehension of security priorities
  • Improve executive engagement with technical documentation
  • Generate more actionable intelligence from security reporting
  • Transform security reports into business decision enablers
  • Eliminate avoidable delays caused by unclear communication

Meet Your Author

Lenny Zeltser
Lenny Zeltser

Lenny Zeltser

Fellow

Lenny Zeltser, CISO at Axonius, is a leader in developing resilient security programs. His invaluable tools, like REMnux, a widely used Linux distribution for malware analysis, have become industry standards in combating malicious software.

Read more about Lenny Zeltser

Course Syllabus

Explore the course syllabus below to view the full range of topics covered in SEC402: Cybersecurity Writing: Hack the Reader.

Section 1Cybersecurity Writing: Hack the Reader – Day 1

Participants discover reader-centered methodology that transforms technical communications from ignored to influential. Analyzing five critical elements, security professionals learn to hook and maintain attention. By examining flawed examples and practicing targeted reconstruction exercises, participants develop practical, impact-elevating writing skills.

Topics covered

  • Reader-centered cybersecurity approach
  • Five golden elements of effective writing: structure, appearance, word choice, tone, and content
  • Strategic document structure principles
  • Visual engagement optimization tactics
  • Layout and formatting for maximum impact

Section 2Packaging for Impact

Language determines whether insights penetrate or bounce off: consider word selection as a tactical decision. Terminology can create clarity or confusion, and technical accuracy can help or hinder comprehension. Reforge imprecise language into powerful communication tools, maintaining technical integrity while ensuring influence across diverse audiences.

Topics covered

  • Technical precision with accessible terms
  • Word economy in security documentation
  • Consistent terminology across reports
  • Precise language for maximum impact
  • Technical clarity without jargon

Things You Need To Know

Relevant Job Roles

Cybersecurity Legal Advice (OPM 731)

NICE: Oversight and Governance

Responsible for providing cybersecurity legal advice and recommendations, including monitoring related legislation and regulations.

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Cybersecurity Instruction (OPM 712)

NICE: Oversight and Governance

Responsible for developing and conducting cybersecurity awareness, training, or education.

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Knowledge Management (OPM 631)

NICE: Implementation and Operation

Responsible for managing and administering processes and tools to identify, document, and access an organization’s intellectual capital.

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Authorizing Official/Designated Representative (DCWF 611)

DoD 8140: Cybersecurity

Responsible for accepting system risk on behalf of the organization, ensuring acceptable security levels for mission, reputation, and operations.

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Technology Program Auditing (OPM 805)

NICE: Oversight and Governance

Responsible for conducting evaluations of technology programs or their individual components to determine compliance with published standards.

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Incident Response Team Member

Digital Forensics and Incident Response

This dynamic and fast-paced role involves identifying, mitigating, and eradicating attackers while their operations are still unfolding.

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Systems Requirements Planner (DCWF 641)

DoD 8140: Cyber IT

Translates functional needs into technical solutions by consulting with customers and developing system architectures and requirements.

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Systems Testing and Evaluation (OPM 671)

NICE: Design and Development

Responsible for planning, preparing, and executing system tests; evaluating test results against specifications and requirements; and reporting test results and findings.

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Course Schedule & Pricing

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OnDemand Bundle

When purchasing a live, instructor-led course, add 4 months of online access. View price in the info icons below.

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  • Location & instructor

    Virtual (OnDemand)

    Instructed by Lenny Zeltser
    Date & Time
    OnDemand (Anytime)Self-Paced, 4 months access
    Course price
    $3,505 USD*Prices exclude applicable local taxes
    Enrollment options
    Self-Paced
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