Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!

The grinch frustrated by hearing cybersecurity and consulting buzzwords.

“If there is one thing I hate, it it’s all that noise, noise, noise, noise!” - The Grinch 

I must admit, this scene from the Grinch often plays in my head when I read the buzzwords that sprinkle throughout the materials of cybersecurity/cyber risk management vendors, marketers, and influencers.  

Noise. Noise. Noise. Noise.  

In general, the cybersecurity space is often like a cacophony of technical buzzwords. The cyber risk management space goes further and is like a snowstorm of catchy phrases. Flighty phrases that fill these spaces are like planes circling in the air but never landing. Noise fills the cyberspace like how a snow squall blocks visibility .... and the fallen blanket of snow gives a nice cover over everything, including all the dog droppings that may be in the yard.  

Noise bombards our senses, clouding the ability to think clearly and exercise good judgement. 

Signal > Noise 

“When it comes to good decision-making data, signal (and or silence) is better than noise.” - Captain Obvious  

It is obvious that a meaningful signal is better than a meaningless noise. However, this becomes less obvious when people have become accustomed to being bombarded with noise and accept it as “just the way it is” status quo.  

When you experience indicators of noise, ask pointed questions. For example:  

• Can you define this term/phrase in your own words?  

• Can you show me examples of this in action?  

• Can you show me how this idea fits within the context of the bigger picture?  

Please do not settle for a cacophony of noise. Put your critical thinking cap on while you pepper a healthy dose of salt (pointed questions and healthy skepticism) over the blanket of cybersecurity buzzwords ... this can help melt away the noise.