At the heart of cybersecurity, one of the most critical—and often overlooked—challenges is communication. As someone deeply involved in the production of material for training and workshops, Julie has found that clear, accessible messaging can be just as important as technical expertise. In her upcoming session at the Privacy Matters Symposium, titled Cybersecurity is for Everybody: Creating Accessible Messaging, Julie will share her insights on how to break down complex cybersecurity concepts to make them understandable for everyone, regardless of their background.
Julie serves as an instructional designer for UBC’s PrISM SRS team, working closely with various departments to develop materials that cater to a wide range of audiences. Her role involves creating content that helps non-technical individuals grasp important privacy and information security concepts and what steps we can all take to stay safe. Her day-to-day tasks involve collaborating with subject matter experts; helping them translate their knowledge into accessible training formats.
The Power of accessible messaging
In her interview, Julie explained how important it is to approach communication with a “communicator mindset” and a “learner mindset.” According to her, many of the terms used within cybersecurity, such as “bad actors” or “information security,” are clear to those in the field but can confuse or alienate people who aren’t familiar with them. “Each work category has its own specific lingo,” she says. “So much of what we do involves communications. We need to consider that we're often talking to people who aren’t IT-savvy or don’t engage with these topics daily. We need to distill our language accordingly.”
Tips for creating accessible cybersecurity messaging
Julie’s upcoming session promises to be engaging, thought-provoking, and practical. Here are a few of her key tips on how to create accessible messaging:
- Know your audience
One of the most important steps in communication is understanding who you are speaking to. Julie often works with a diverse range of people, from administrators to professors, and she tailors her language accordingly. “You might be communicating with an anthropologist, a music teacher, or a computer science expert,” she explains. “It’s best to start with the basics so that everyone gets on the same page.” - Scaffold information
Julie likens her approach to a teaching technique called “scaffolding,” where you build understanding step by step. Starting with the basics ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can follow along. Defining terms, even when they seem obvious, prevents misunderstandings later. - Balance accuracy and clarity
Sometimes, simplicity requires sacrificing a little precision. Julie acknowledges that using language the general public is more familiar with resonates better with non-technical audiences. The goal is to communicate clearly, even if it means using less precise terms. - Use stories and examples
Julie strongly believes in the power of storytelling to make complex concepts more relatable. She recommends using stories and visuals to help the audience grasp cybersecurity concepts in a more engaging way.
Don’t miss Julie's session and many other insightful talks at this year's Privacy Matters Symposium!
Although in-person registration is closed, you can still join us virtually from the comfort of your office.
Article written by Lili Sabirova.
