Writing Experience: Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy

In cybersecurity, strong writing and analytical skills are essential for communicating risk, shaping policy, and influencing decision-making. Professionals must be able to clearly explain complex technical and strategic issues to a range of stakeholders, including business leaders and government entities. As cybersecurity continues to intersect with national security and law, the ability to analyze and communicate policy is increasingly important.

This course explored the development and analysis of cybersecurity strategy and policy, focusing on how policies are created, evaluated, and implemented across both organizational and governmental contexts. Throughout the course, I examined the relationship between national security strategy and cybersecurity strategy, as well as the role of risk management in shaping policy decisions. We also explored the social, political, and ethical implications that arise from cybersecurity strategies.

A major component of the course was a series of research papers, each analyzing a different aspect of cybersecurity policy. I chose to focus all of my papers on the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA), which allowed me to explore the policy in depth from multiple perspectives. Across these assignments, I examined the social implications of the policy, the factors that led to its development, and its potential impact on organizations and society. This approach required me to build on my previous work, refine my analysis, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the policy over time.

Reflection and Professional Development

This course strengthened my ability to approach cybersecurity from a strategic and policy-oriented perspective. Focusing on CIRCIA across multiple papers helped me develop a deeper understanding of how a single policy can be analyzed through different lenses, including social, ethical, and regulatory considerations.

One of the most valuable takeaways was learning to move beyond surface-level analysis and instead develop more nuanced, well-supported arguments. A challenge I encountered was maintaining depth and originality across multiple papers on the same topic, which required me to continuously refine my thinking and explore new angles.

Overall, this experience enhanced my critical thinking and professional writing skills, particularly in the context of cybersecurity policy. These skills are essential in professional settings where the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas and contribute to policy discussions is critical. This course prepared me to engage with cybersecurity not only from a technical standpoint, but also from a broader strategic and analytical perspective.

Work Samples

CIRCIA-Combined

This class allowed me to hone my writing skills while examining a specific cybersecurity policy of my choice: The Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA). Doing so has shown me how to approach complex topics from different perspectives and understand an instrumental piece of legislation for the cybersecurity industry as a whole.

NCS_-An-Analysis-of-Shaping-Market-Forces-1

I was also tasked with analyzing the newest National Cybersecurity Strategy. Being able to understand the facets of this policy and how it differs from previous versions is critical for working in cybersecurity in the United States. This class allowed me to translate writing and analysis skills directly into actionable information in how I conduct my day-to-day work duties.