Ali Beshara is a highly respected cybersecurity expert with a distinguished career in both the governmental and financial sectors across the Middle East. As one of the region’s top cybersecurity leaders, Ali’s extensive experience encompasses high-level cybersecurity initiatives that have safeguarded critical infrastructures. He is particularly adept at aligning security strategies with broader organizational goals, ensuring that technical capabilities support and enhance business objectives.
With a suite of advanced certifications, including CISM, CISA, CRISC, and ISO 27001, Ali brings in-depth technical knowledge and a thorough understanding of international compliance standards such as PCI-DSS and NIST CSF. His expertise allows him to evaluate and exceed stringent security requirements, ensuring that organizations are not only compliant but also resilient against emerging threats.
Ali’s experience in high-stakes environments, including his work to protect Bahrain’s financial infrastructure, has honed his skills in risk management and incident response. His ability to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks is critical in today’s volatile cybersecurity landscape. As the founder of CyberCrest Consulting, Ali has provided strategic advisory services to high-profile clients, guiding them to align their cybersecurity practices with their business goals.
Ali is also recognized for his leadership and strategic vision, having worked closely with CEOs and cybersecurity committees. His experience as an educator and mentor further enhances his ability to evaluate and develop leadership qualities in others. His strong network and industry recognition, including being named a top CISO in the Middle East by IDC, position him as a benchmark for excellence in the field.
In summary, Ali Beshara offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity that integrates technical prowess with strategic business alignment. His professionalism, preparedness, and commitment to transparency ensure that his contributions extend beyond just technical evaluations, adding significant value to any organization he engages with.
The Interview:
Self-Introduction: Can you introduce yourself and explain your current role in cybersecurity, focusing on your experience with communication challenges in your profession?
Answer:
I’m Ali Beshara. As a cybersecurity consultant, founder of CyberCrest Consulting, and former Head of Information Security at BENEFIT, I have had the privilege of guiding some of the most critical infrastructures in Bahrain through their cybersecurity journeys. My role is not merely about deploying technical solutions but about bridging the often formidable gap between technical teams and executive leadership. Communication is at the heart of what I do—translating complex cybersecurity challenges into actionable insights that align with business objectives. My experience has shown me that the greatest cybersecurity strategies falter without clear, effective communication. It’s this insight that drove me to write Mastering Technical Communication, a guide that empowers cybersecurity leaders to connect their technical acumen with strategic business goals.
Nature of Communication Barriers: In your experience, what are the most significant communication barriers that cybersecurity professionals face, both within their teams and with non-technical stakeholders?
Answer:
The most significant communication barrier I’ve encountered is the disconnect between cybersecurity professionals and non-technical stakeholders, often stemming from the use of overly complex technical jargon. Within teams, this can lead to misunderstandings, causing delays or errors in implementing security measures. For non-technical stakeholders, especially at the executive level, this barrier can manifest as a lack of engagement or, worse, a misunderstanding of the risks involved, which can severely impact decision-making. In my book, I discuss how to overcome these barriers by shifting the focus from technical details to the impact on business objectives—this reframing is crucial for gaining executive buy-in and ensuring cybersecurity initiatives are prioritized appropriately.
Technical Jargon: How do you manage the challenge of technical jargon when communicating complex cybersecurity issues to non-technical audiences?
Answer:
Managing technical jargon is about distilling complex concepts into language that resonates with the audience’s level of understanding and interests. I often use analogies and real-world examples to bridge this gap. For instance, instead of explaining the technical specifics of a firewall, I might compare it to a security gate that controls who enters a building. This approach makes the information relatable and emphasizes the business impact rather than getting lost in technical minutiae. It’s about making cybersecurity real and tangible, which I explore extensively in my book by demonstrating how clear, simple communication is not just effective but essential for building trust and driving action.
Cross-Disciplinary Communication: How do you bridge the communication gap between cybersecurity experts and other departments like legal, finance, or HR? Can you share specific examples?
Answer:
Bridging the communication gap across departments involves understanding and addressing each department’s unique concerns and objectives. When working with legal teams, for example, the focus might be on compliance and the legal ramifications of a security breach. For finance, it’s about ROI and cost-benefit analysis. I tailor the message to highlight how cybersecurity initiatives protect the company’s assets and reputation, supporting the overall business strategy. One specific example was during my tenure at BENEFIT, where I aligned our cybersecurity initiatives with the company’s broader financial goals. By demonstrating how our efforts mitigated financial risks, I was able to secure the necessary resources and support from the CFO and finance team.
Adapting Communication Styles: How important is it for cybersecurity professionals to adapt their communication styles depending on their audience? Can you share a time when you successfully adapted your communication approach?
Answer:
Adapting communication styles is crucial because the same message can be received very differently depending on the audience. A successful example was during a board presentation where I was advocating for increased investment in cybersecurity. I began with a high-level overview of the current threat landscape, emphasizing the potential business impacts, rather than diving into technical specifics. This approach resonated with the board members, who were more concerned with strategic risks and business continuity than the technical details. By tailoring the communication to their concerns, I was able to secure the approval and resources needed to enhance our cybersecurity posture. As I discuss in Mastering Technical Communication, this ability to adapt is key to effective leadership in cybersecurity.
Technical Writing: The book emphasizes the importance of clarity in technical writing. How do you ensure that your written reports, guidelines, or policies are clear and understandable to a diverse audience?
Answer:
Clarity in technical writing starts with a deep understanding of the audience’s needs and perspectives. When drafting reports, I prioritize the use of simple, straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. I also structure the documents to guide the reader through the content logically—starting with an executive summary that distills the key points, followed by a detailed breakdown that can be easily navigated by both technical and non-technical readers. Visual aids, like diagrams or flowcharts, are invaluable for illustrating complex processes in a more digestible format. This approach ensures that everyone, from the IT team to the C-suite, can grasp the essential information and its implications, which I elaborate on in my book through various examples and case studies.
Feedback and Iteration: How do you incorporate feedback into your communication processes? Can you discuss a scenario where feedback significantly improved your communication strategy?
Answer:
Feedback is essential to refining communication strategies and ensuring they resonate with the intended audience. I view feedback as a continuous improvement process. One instance where feedback significantly improved my approach was during a cybersecurity awareness program I was developing for a government agency. Initially, the program was too technical, and feedback from non-technical participants highlighted the need for simplification. By incorporating this feedback, I restructured the content to focus more on relatable scenarios and practical advice, which greatly increased engagement and understanding among the participants. This experience reinforced my belief that communication should be a dynamic process, responsive to the audience’s needs, a principle I delve into in my book.
Use of Visual Aids: How do you use visual aids like diagrams, charts, or infographics to simplify complex cybersecurity concepts? Can you provide an example where a visual tool made a significant difference?
Answer:
Visual aids are powerful tools for simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts, as they can transform abstract ideas into something tangible and easier to grasp. One effective use of visual aids was during a presentation on the importance of a layered security approach. I used a simple diagram to illustrate how each layer, from the firewall to endpoint security, contributes to a comprehensive defense strategy. This visual representation helped the audience—comprising mostly non-technical executives—understand the necessity of investing in multiple security measures rather than relying on a single solution. The clarity provided by the visual aid was pivotal in securing their support for a multi-faceted security investment.
Collaboration Tools: What collaboration tools or platforms do you find most effective for breaking down communication barriers in cybersecurity projects? How do they contribute to better understanding and collaboration?
Answer:
Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack have been invaluable in breaking down communication barriers in cybersecurity projects. These platforms facilitate real-time communication and collaboration across departments, enabling quick resolution of issues and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, tools like SharePoint and Confluence help centralize documentation, making it accessible to all stakeholders and fostering transparency. By integrating these tools into our workflows, we’ve been able to improve the efficiency and clarity of communication, which is especially crucial when dealing with complex, time-sensitive cybersecurity incidents. This approach aligns with the strategies I outline in my book for leveraging technology to enhance communication.
Training and Development: What role does training play in improving communication skills for cybersecurity professionals? Have you undergone any training that particularly enhanced your communication abilities?
Answer:
Training plays a crucial role in honing communication skills for cybersecurity professionals. It’s not just about gaining technical knowledge but also about learning how to convey that knowledge effectively. Early in my career, I realized that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough to influence decisions at the executive level. That’s when I invested in communication training, particularly through Gartner’s CISO program. This training focused on translating technical challenges into business language, a skill that has been invaluable in my interactions with senior leaders. Through role-playing exercises and real-world scenarios, I developed the ability to present complex cybersecurity concepts in a way that resonates with non-technical stakeholders. This experience is something I emphasize in my book, where I discuss the importance of continuous development in both technical and communication skills.
Mentorship and Peer Learning: How important is mentorship and peer learning in overcoming communication challenges? Can you share how mentorship has influenced your communication skills or those of your colleagues?
Answer:
Mentorship and peer learning are instrumental in overcoming communication challenges. Throughout my career, I have both benefited from and provided mentorship, which has significantly shaped my approach to communication. One pivotal moment was when a senior mentor helped me refine my presentation skills by focusing on the audience’s perspective rather than just delivering technical details. This shift in approach allowed me to engage more effectively with executive teams. In turn, I’ve mentored colleagues, helping them simplify their communication and connect more deeply with stakeholders. This reciprocal learning environment fosters growth and ensures that communication barriers are continually being addressed and refined, which is a key theme in my book.
Continuous Improvement: What strategies do you employ to continuously improve your communication skills? How do you stay updated with best practices in technical communication?
Answer:
Continuous improvement in communication is a lifelong journey. I regularly review my own presentations and reports, seeking feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas for enhancement. Additionally, I stay updated with best practices by attending workshops, reading industry publications, and studying influential communicators across various fields. I also make it a point to engage in active listening, both in professional settings and during casual conversations, to refine my understanding of different perspectives. This helps me adapt my communication style to various audiences. In Mastering Technical Communication, I emphasize that effective communication requires ongoing effort and a commitment to learning from both successes and failures.
Real-World Scenarios: Can you discuss a real-world scenario where communication barriers led to a cybersecurity incident or near-miss? How was the situation resolved, and what lessons were learned?
Answer:
One real-world scenario that comes to mind involved a near-miss where a lack of clear communication nearly resulted in a significant data breach. A technical team had identified a vulnerability but failed to communicate its severity effectively to the executive team. The technical jargon used in the report didn’t convey the urgency, leading to delays in patching the system. It was only after a near-breach occurred that the issue was taken seriously. The situation was resolved by immediately patching the vulnerability, but it highlighted the need for clearer communication channels. The lesson learned was the importance of translating technical risks into business impact terms, which is something I now prioritize in all communications. This experience is reflected in my book, where I discuss the critical role of effective communication in preventing cybersecurity incidents.
Success Stories: Can you share a success story where effective communication played a key role in a cybersecurity initiative? What were the outcomes, and how did communication contribute to success?
Answer:
A success story that stands out is when I led a cybersecurity initiative to implement a formal vulnerability management program at BENEFIT. The key to securing executive buy-in was how I communicated the business risks associated with unpatched vulnerabilities, using real-world examples like the Equifax breach to illustrate the potential impact. By framing the program as a proactive investment that would save the company millions in potential breach costs, I was able to get approval for the necessary resources. The outcome was not only the successful implementation of the program but also a significant reduction in the company’s risk profile. This success was a direct result of clear, impactful communication, as detailed in the case studies section of my book.
Evolving Communication Challenges: As cybersecurity threats evolve, how do you foresee communication challenges changing? What should cybersecurity professionals do to stay ahead?
Answer:
As cybersecurity threats evolve, communication challenges will also become more complex. The increasing sophistication of attacks means that cybersecurity professionals must not only stay ahead technically but also communicate these evolving threats in ways that are understandable and actionable for non-technical stakeholders. I foresee a greater need for cybersecurity leaders to be skilled in crisis communication, particularly as incidents become more public and potentially damaging to an organization’s reputation. To stay ahead, professionals should continuously refine their communication skills, stay informed about emerging threats, and practice translating these technical challenges into business impacts. Regular training, mentorship, and learning from past incidents will be crucial in adapting to these evolving challenges, as I discuss in Mastering Technical Communication.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals: What advice would you give to aspiring cybersecurity professionals on mastering communication skills? How should they prepare to overcome communication barriers in their future roles?
Answer:
My advice to aspiring cybersecurity professionals is to start focusing on communication skills early in your career. Technical expertise is essential, but your ability to communicate that expertise effectively will determine your success in influencing decisions and leading initiatives. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, seek feedback from mentors, and continually refine your approach. Also, learn to listen—understand the concerns of your audience and tailor your message accordingly. Overcoming communication barriers requires a commitment to lifelong learning and the willingness to adapt. As I highlight in my book, mastering communication is not just a skill, but a key to unlocking your full potential as a cybersecurity leader.
At the end of this interesting interview, I would like to invite your audience to visit our Instagram account @cybercrestme where I am sharing a lot of videos explaining the importance of communications to my fellow technical professionals, they can also get a copy of my boot from there.
