🎵 Bard → Security Awareness Specialist
“You don’t need to max STR if you can convince the Fighter to handle the combat for you.”
Your Role in the Party
You translate complex security concepts into accessible language, building security culture through communication. You bridge the gap between technical teams and the rest of the organization—making security make sense to everyone from the C-suite to the intern.
76% of security leaders struggle communicating program effectiveness to executives. Your directness and ability to translate technical jargon into human language is a genuine competitive advantage.
📊 Your Stat Spread
| Stat | Score | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| CHA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Communication is your superpower. Technical writing, presentations, training delivery—you make security relatable. |
| WIS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pattern recognition helps you spot social engineering and understand human behavior. |
| DEX | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Adaptability lets you pivot between audiences—exec one minute, IT team the next. |
| CON | ⭐⭐⭐ | You can sustain energy for training sessions and campaigns, especially when the topic interests you. |
| INT | ⭐⭐ | You learn enough technical knowledge to communicate effectively—you don’t need to retain every protocol detail. |
| STR | ⭐⭐ | Hands-on technical execution isn’t your focus—you convince the specialists to handle that. |
🎭 Neurodivergent Advantages
Your AuDHD traits are class features, not bugs:
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Jack of All Trades: Your varied interests help you understand different audiences. You’ve probably hyperfocused on random topics that now help you connect security to things people care about.
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Bardic Inspiration: Your enthusiasm for security topics is contagious. When you get excited explaining why phishing works, people actually pay attention.
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Pattern Recognition (WIS): You spot social engineering attempts before others because you notice the subtle “something’s off” signals.
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Neurodivergent Directness: You say what you mean without corporate fluff. People are desperate for someone who just explains the risk plainly.
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Special Interest in Teaching: If teaching methods, adult learning theory, or communication strategies have ever been your hyperfocus—you’re already ahead.
🗺️ Career Path
End User → Help Desk → Security Awareness → GRC Analyst → Compliance Manager → CISO
↓ ↓ ↓
(You might (Many Bards (Leadership
start here) land here) multiclass)Common Bard Multiclasses:
- Bard/Cleric: Security Awareness + GRC (compliance-focused communication)
- Bard/Paladin: Security Awareness + Leadership (CISO track)
- Bard/Rogue: Add offensive skills to make your training more credible
📜 Certification Pathway
Level 1-5: Foundation (0-2 years)
| Certification | Org | Type | Cost | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | Multiple Choice | ~$400 | Broad foundation. Proves you understand security concepts even if you’re not implementing them hands-on. |
| CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) | ISC² | Multiple Choice | Free (limited time) | Entry-level, ISC² pathway. Good for career changers. |
Neurodivergent Note: Security+ is heavily memorization-based. Use spaced repetition (Anki) and practice tests. The structure is clear and predictable.
Level 6-10: Specialization (2-5 years)
| Certification | Org | Type | Cost | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSAP (Security Awareness Professional) | SANS | Practical | ~$4,500 | The Bard cert. LDR433 focuses on managing human risk and building security culture. |
| HCISPP | ISC² | Multiple Choice | ~$600 | Healthcare privacy focus. Good if you’re in healthcare sector. |
| CISM | ISACA | Multiple Choice | ~$760 | Management-focused. Bridges technical and business. |
Neurodivergent Note: SSAP (LDR433) is highly practical and directly applicable. You build actual awareness programs during the course—perfect for “learn by doing” brains.
Level 11-15: Advanced (5-8 years)
| Certification | Org | Type | Cost | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSLC (Security Leadership) | SANS | Practical | ~$7,500 | LDR512 covers management essentials. CHA + strategic INT. |
| CISSP | ISC² | Multiple Choice | ~$750 | The “gold standard.” Opens doors. Required for many senior roles. |
| CRISC | ISACA | Multiple Choice | ~$760 | Risk management focus. Pattern recognition for organizational risk. |
Neurodivergent Note: CISSP is a mile wide and an inch deep—can be overwhelming. The “think like a manager” mindset actually suits Bard thinking: what’s the business impact?
Level 16-20: Mastery (8+ years)
| Certification | Org | Type | Cost | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSTRT (Strategic Planning) | SANS | Practical | ~$7,500 | LDR514 covers policy and strategic leadership. Pure CHA build. |
| CCISO | EC-Council | Practical + MC | ~$2,500 | CISO-focused. Covers the business side of security leadership. |
🛠️ Your Toolkit
Primary Weapons
| Tool | Type | What It Does | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| KnowBe4 | Platform | Security awareness training & phishing simulation | knowbe4.com |
| Proofpoint Security Awareness | Platform | Training and behavior analytics | proofpoint.com |
| Gophish | Open Source | Free phishing simulation platform | getgophish.com |
Defensive Equipment (Free/Low-Cost)
| Tool | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Create engaging training materials and infographics | canva.com |
| Hemingway App | Make your writing clear and readable | hemingwayapp.com |
| Loom | Record quick training videos | loom.com |
| NIST Phish Scale | Measure phishing difficulty scientifically | NIST |
Fun Tools from Awesome Lists
Source: awesome-security-awareness
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Phishing Frenzy | Ruby-based phishing framework for penetration testing |
| Lucy Security | Comprehensive awareness platform with attack simulations |
| Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) | Penetration testing framework for social engineering |
📚 Learning Resources
Free Resources
YouTube Channels:
- John Hammond - Makes security engaging and entertaining (very Bard energy)
- David Bombal - Clear explanations of security concepts
- Black Hills InfoSec - Free webcasts and training
Practice & Learning:
- TryHackMe - “Security Awareness” and “Phishing” rooms (free tier)
- SANS Cyber Aces - Free foundational courses
- Cybrary - Free tier has awareness-relevant content
Reading:
- SANS Security Awareness Blog
- Security Culture Framework (free framework)
Books for Bards
| Book | Author | Why Read It |
|---|---|---|
| ”The Art of Deception” | Kevin Mitnick | Understanding social engineering from the master |
| ”Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” | Robert Cialdini | The psychology behind why people comply (and click) |
| “Made to Stick” | Chip & Dan Heath | How to make your security messages memorable |
| ”Transformational Security Awareness” | Perry Carpenter | THE book on modern security awareness |
| ”On Writing Well” | William Zinsser | Make your security writing clear and compelling |
Podcasts
| Podcast | Why Listen |
|---|---|
| Security Culture Podcast | Perry Carpenter on building security culture |
| SANS Internet Storm Center | Daily security news to stay current |
| Darknet Diaries | True crime for security—great story examples for training |
🎓 SANS Courses for Bards
| Course | Cert | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDR433: Managing Human Risk | SSAP | Security awareness program management | Your core class |
| LDR512: Security Leadership Essentials | GSLC | Management skills | Moving into leadership |
| LDR514: Security Strategic Planning | GSTRT | Strategic planning and policy | Senior leadership |
| SEC401: Security Essentials | GSEC | Broad security foundations | If you want more technical credibility |
🏆 Building Your Magic Items
Early Career Achievements:
- Build your first phishing simulation campaign
- Create a security newsletter people actually read
- Present security training to a non-technical group
- Get positive feedback on making security “make sense”
Mid-Career Achievements:
- Measurably reduce phishing click rates
- Build a security champions program
- Present at a local security meetup or BSides
- Get SSAP or equivalent certification
Senior Achievements:
- Speak at a major conference
- Publish security awareness content (blog, article, book)
- Build an award-winning awareness program
- Mentor other Bards entering the field
🧭 Multiclassing Guide
Adding Rogue Levels (Offensive Skills)
Understanding how attacks actually work makes your training more credible. Consider:
- TryHackMe “Jr Penetration Tester” path
- HackTheBox Academy fundamentals
- Learn to actually craft phishing emails (ethically!)
“I don’t just tell people what phishing looks like—I show them how I’d craft one targeting them specifically.”
Adding Cleric Levels (GRC)
Many Bards evolve into GRC roles. Consider:
- CompTIA Security+ if you don’t have it
- CISM or CRISC for risk management
- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer for framework expertise
Adding Paladin Levels (Leadership)
Moving toward CISO or security leadership:
- GSLC for security management
- CISSP for credibility
- MBA or business courses for executive presence
💡 Neurodivergent Learning Strategies
For ADHD:
- Rotate between content creation, training delivery, and metric analysis to maintain interest
- Use the “explain it to teach it” method—prepare a mini-presentation on anything you’re learning
- Body doubling: watch training videos alongside someone else working
For Autism:
- Create systematic frameworks for your awareness program
- Build comprehensive documentation (your future self will thank you)
- Develop scripts and templates for common training scenarios
For Both:
- Leverage your ability to see patterns in human behavior
- Your directness is an asset—frame it as “clear communication”
- Use your hyperfocus for deep-dive research on social engineering techniques
🎯 Not Sure If You’re a Bard?
Take the Character Creation Quiz to discover your cybersecurity class and get personalized recommendations!
📖 Continue Your Journey
“Your neurodivergent brain isn’t a barrier to cybersecurity success. It’s exactly what makes you suited for this field.”