Iron Sharpens Iron: The Power of Collaboration in Cybersecurity
- Terence Jackson
- Oct 5
- 2 min read
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
In ancient times, blacksmiths knew that only iron could refine iron. The friction, the heat, and the hammering weren’t signs of destruction they were part of the refining process. The same holds true for us in life and in cybersecurity. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in collaboration, accountability, and constructive challenge.
⚙️ In the Cybersecurity World, We Sharpen Each Other
In a modern SOC or security team, no one has all the answers. Threats evolve daily. Adversaries adapt faster than any single human can keep up. But when we share knowledge, question assumptions, and challenge each other’s perspectives, we elevate our collective resilience.
When a red team challenges the blue team, both sides sharpen their skills.
When an incident responder questions an alert logic, the detection engineer improves the rule.
When a junior analyst asks “why?”, they help the senior analyst see from a new angle.
The process can sometimes create friction, but like iron on iron, that friction produces sharpness, not division.
💡 The Friction of Growth
Let’s be honest: sharpening isn’t comfortable. It involves friction, heat, and noise.
In cybersecurity teams, this can look like:
Peer reviews that expose blind spots in code or policy.
Tabletop exercises that surface weaknesses in incident response.
Difficult conversations about priorities, risk tolerance, or communication breakdowns.
But just like a blade forged in fire, teams that endure constructive friction emerge stronger, sharper, and more effective in defending what matters most.
🙌 Sharpening Beyond the Keyboard
“Iron sharpens iron” isn’t limited to work , it’s also about personal and spiritual growth.
In faith, we need others who will pray with us, correct us in love, and hold us accountable.
In leadership, we need mentors and truth-tellers who won’t flatter us, but forge us.
Surround yourself with people who:
Challenge your thinking, not your worth.
Help you grow, not just agree with you.
Encourage your faith as much as your skills.
🛡️ A Cyber Deacon’s Challenge
This week, look around your team and ask:
Who’s sharpening me and who am I sharpening?
Am I open to feedback, or defensive when challenged?
Do I see friction as conflict or as an opportunity for refinement?
Remember: a dull blade can’t defend anything.
Let’s keep sharpening one another in truth, in skill, and in spirit so we can cut through confusion, protect what matters, and lead with integrity in the digital and spiritual battles ahead.
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