The Underrated Cybersecurity Skill of Writing

Why I've been writing more as a cybersecurity engineer.

Feb 17, 2025

It’s 2025, and I’ve been doing a lot more writing. Not because it’s a New Year’s resolution but because I see how essential it is to my growth as a cybersecurity engineer.

Writing has become a critical skill—one that’s shaping my journey toward becoming a staff or principal-level engineer. And if you’re not writing yet, you should start.

Here’s a video I made about this as part of my engineering diary episode (chronicling my journey to becoming a staff/principal-level engineer):

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Why Writing Matters in Cybersecurity

First and foremost, writing is a massive part of Amazon’s culture (Amazon = $dayjob).

Engineers at all levels are expected to document their thoughts, proposals, and analyses in a structured and transparent manner through various formats, including PRFAQs, narratives, one-pagers, six-pagers, and other writing styles.

But beyond company culture, writing helps articulate ideas better than just talking through them. When you write, you refine your thoughts, eliminate ambiguity, and create something that can be referenced later.

Learning to Write for Different Audiences

An important aspect of technical writing is understanding your audience.

Some documents are meant for software engineers, product managers, security engineers, security managers/leaders, staff engineers, or principal engineers—those who need deep technical insights.

Others are for senior leaders, managers, or executives, where the focus is more on business impact and risk. Knowing how to tailor your writing to different audiences is an invaluable skill.

Getting the Reps In

Improving at writing isn’t comfortable—it requires practice and feedback.

I’ve been getting my documents reviewed by colleagues, and while it can be daunting, it’s been incredibly beneficial. The process of receiving feedback and refining my work has helped me grow.

At first, it was intimidating to sit down and put my ideas on paper, but now I push through the initial hesitation and just start writing. Over time, the fear fades, and the skill improves.

Writing Beyond Work

Writing hasn’t just impacted my work—it’s also shaped other areas of my life.

My YouTube videos are now scripted, allowing me to better communicate ideas. My personal devotion and Bible study include more written reflections, which help solidify what I’m learning.

While I don’t consider myself a traditional journaler, I do write down my thoughts, making it a form of journaling in its own way.