Effective security must enhance, not hinder, usability.
For any modern organisation, information is an invaluable asset. It is know-how, projects, patents, critical strategic data, and even the regular day-to-day business data: essentially summed up as the "crown jewels" that demand the due level of protection.
As such, information security naturally rises to the top of corporate priorities.
While external cyber threats garner significant attention, internal risks (malicious or careless employee actions) are equally concerning. To address this, many companies adopt "zero trust" policies, implementing stringent control points even within their own networks.
However, this approach often introduces an unintended side effect: employees can find their workflows disrupted. Frequent warnings, access restrictions, and invasive prompts create friction, reducing productivity and fostering frustration. Is this simply the unavoidable cost of strong security... or can we do better?
The Risk of Overbearing Security Measures
Overly intrusive security mechanisms tend to backfire. Users grow frustrated and either disable the controls or find ways to bypass them, rendering the safeguards ineffective. A classic example is the backlash against the early implementation of User Account Control (UAC) in Microsoft Windows Vista. While UAC was designed to enhance security by requesting user confirmation for system-altering actions, its constant prompts were so disruptive that it became infamous, contributing to the poor reception of the operating system.
Such examples highlight an important lesson: security measures must support, not obstruct, the user's ability to perform their work. Systems that alienate users risk defeating their own purpose.
A Smarter Approach to Security
The key to effective security lies in designing robust and user-friendly systems. Prevention, tailored access controls, and contextual awareness are critical. Here are a few ways to strike this balance:
Tailored Access Levels
By carefully defining and assigning access levels, security systems can prevent unauthorised access while allowing employees to perform their duties seamlessly. When users encounter fewer unnecessary barriers, they are more likely to respect and adhere to security protocols.
Streamlined Workflows
Modern security tools leverage AI and machine learning to detect anomalies in the background without overwhelming users with constant alerts. For example, adaptive authentication adjusts its strictness based on the context, such as the user’s location or device history, reducing unnecessary interruptions.
User Education and Awareness
While technical solutions are critical, the human element cannot be overlooked. Employees must be educated not only about the "what" of security policies but also the "why". Giving them this knowledge promotes a culture of shared responsibility.
Prevention Is Key
An advanced security system should aim to prevent issues before they arise, minimising the need for reactive measures that intrude on user activity. Prevention can include automated safeguards, early detection of vulnerabilities, a correct setup of the access permissions to resources (like files and folders) and proactive risk assessments. When combined with thoughtful policy design, prevention can enhance security without negatively impacting productivity.
A Shared Responsibility
Ultimately, creating a robust security infrastructure that does not impact users is a complex but achievable goal.
It requires collaboration between IT professionals, security experts, and end users. By designing intuitive systems, educating employees, and using technologies that balance security and usability, organisations can protect their "crown jewels" without undermining the productivity and satisfaction of their employees.
