Bridging Cultures, Strengthening Defences: Why Inter-Cultural Communication Matters in Cyber Security
In cyber security, we often talk about firewalls, encryption, zero-days — but rarely about one of the most powerful tools we have: the way we communicate with each other.
Cyber threats don’t respect borders. The people defending against them come from every corner of the world, bringing with them different ways of thinking, speaking, and solving problems. When communication clicks, it feels effortless. But when cultural
misunderstandings get in the way, even the best technical teams can stumble.
That’s why inter-cultural communication isn’t a “nice to have” — it should be an essential
part our soft-skillset as professionals.
Why Inter-Cultural Communication Matters
Every cyber security professional has had moments where miscommunication slowed things down. Maybe someone was too blunt and came across as rude. Maybe someone held back information because they didn’t feel it was their place to speak up.
Different cultures have different norms about authority, directness, risk, and even how bad news should be delivered. Without an awareness of these differences, collaboration can fray — right when it matters most.
Cyber incidents often demand split-second decisions across continents and time zones. Being able to navigate those cultural differences quickly and respectfully can make or break the response.
A Story from the Field: When Cultural Awareness Saved the Day
I remember, early in my career, being part of the 'home team' during a joint investigation into a cyber-attack on an international company. Two investigative teams were brought together urgently, and I quickly saw just how critical cultural awareness could be. One team valued getting straight to the facts — the faster the better. The other placed a high priority on building personal rapport before diving into technical details.
From the first call, the tension was obvious.
One team thought the other was being evasive.
The other thought they were being rushed and disrespected.
The friction grew until a senior coordinator — stepped in. She suggested a simple shift:
starting every meeting with a quick round of informal greetings, letting people settle in and connect before getting to business. She also made expectations crystal clear: when immediate updates were needed, and when broader discussions were welcome.
The change was almost immediate. Frustration gave way to trust. Communication became faster, smoother, more honest. Within days, the teams were working side-by-side as a true unit, eventually identifying the root cause of the breach and helping the organisation contain the fallout. In fact, one of the analysts from the other team is a very good friend of mine to this day.
It wasn’t a fancy new tool that saved the day. It was cultural awareness — and the ability to meet people where they are.
How to Build Inter-Cultural Communication Skills
1. Listen first, speak second
Get curious. Notice not just what people say, but how they say it.
2. Learn about different communication styles
Some cultures value blunt honesty; others prefer a more diplomatic approach. Neither is right or wrong — just different.
3. Adapt your approach
If you sense tension or confusion, don't just repeat yourself louder. Reframe. Ask questions. Clarify.
4. Build trust before you need it
A bit of relationship-building early on can make all the difference when the pressure is on.
5. Keep your language simple and clear
Especially when working across languages, plain English beats jargon every time.
Final Thoughts
The best cyber security defences aren’t just technical — they’re human.
They’re built on teams who trust each other, understand each other, and can work together under pressure, no matter where they come from.
In a world where cyber threats move faster than ever, our ability to connect across cultures isn’t just important. It’s a superpower.
"Technology connects us. Communication empowers us."
About the Author
Dorian leads Sierra Leone's National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), which he led the creation of. He has worked with global security and investigation agencies and was a country lead when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) established an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). He has been in ICT and cyber security for over a decade, with expertise in digital forensics, incident response and international collaboration, and is well versed in the intricacies of national civil registration, and the setting up and management of processes to support such projects. Dorian is passionate about bridging technical expertise with cultural understanding to build stronger, more effective cyber security communities. He is also a gamer and a lover of manga and sci-fi stories.
You can reach out to him on www.linkedin.com/in/doriancollier.