How UX Design Can Help Fight Cyber Security Threats on Organisations

Introduction

The year 2024 has seen a marked increase in cyber attacks across various sectors, with numerous organisations—educational institutions, corporations, and government agencies—falling victim to these threats. These entities are treasure troves of data, from personal information to proprietary research and sensitive business details. Such data makes them prime targets for cyber attacks. The concept of an "attack surface" in cybersecurity highlights the multiple entry points through which hackers can infiltrate a system. Organisation's, with their sprawling networks, diverse user base, and a wide array of applications, often have excessively large attack surfaces. This makes securing these environments particularly challenging.

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The Clash Between UX Design and Cyber Security

Cybersecurity measures and user experience (UX) design often find themselves at odds. While security protocols are essential, they can sometimes complicate the user journey, leading to frustration, non-compliance, and potential vulnerabilities. But what if UX design and cybersecurity could work hand-in-hand, particularly in the context of the diverse digital environments used across industries today? In this blog, we'll explore how UX designers can contribute to minimising security risks by seamlessly integrating security protocols into the user experience.

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Have you ever been frustrated by passwords, clicking squares with traffic lights in them, or waiting for a code to be texted to you to access an account? These cybersecurity measures can often be seen as barriers in the user journey. Complex password requirements, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates are all critical for maintaining security but can frustrate users if not thoughtfully implemented. This frustration can lead to risky behaviours, such as re-using passwords or bypassing security steps, significantly increasing the attack surface.

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Organisations, regardless of their sector, often consist of a diverse group of users—including employees, clients, partners, and external collaborators—accessing various systems and applications. The broad range of devices, applications, and locations from which these users access resources further complicates securing networks and data. This is why organisations invest heavily in secure infrastructure, including work-specific laptops and devices, to reduce the possibility of attacks through their systems.

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The Role of UX Design in Reducing Attack Surfaces

While cyber security agencies and specialists are essential in the fight against cyber threats and breaches, UX designers play a unique role in reducing the attack surface by designing systems that are both user-friendly and secure. UX designers should work hand-in-hand with cyber security experts from the outset of any project. This collaboration ensures that security is not an afterthought, but a core component of the design process. Here are 4 steps towards facilitating this:

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1. Personalised Security Measures

Recognising that not all users pose the same level of risk, UX designers can help create systems that adapt to user behaviour. Low-risk users might face fewer security hurdles, while high-risk users (such as those accessing sensitive data) encounter stricter protocols. This personalised approach can make security feel less intrusive. For instance, organisations must consider the needs of all users, including those who are less tech-savvy, when designing security features. Ensuring that these features are intuitive and accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise, is crucial.

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2. Simplify Security Protocols Without Compromising Security

By understanding user behaviors and pain points, UX designers can collaborate with cybersecurity teams to develop protocols that are easy to follow without compromising security. For instance, simplifying multi-factor authentication (MFA) processes, offering password-less authentication options, or integrating security measures into daily workflows can reduce the friction users experience. A great example of this is Apple's introduction of the passcode feature, which allows third-party apps to use the device's built-in security for authentication, minimizing the need for users to remember multiple passwords. Similarly, Apple’s Face ID and Touch ID streamline authentication by leveraging biometric data, making secure access both intuitive and seamless for users.

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Another example is Google's implementation of one-tap sign-ins, which reduce the need for complex logins by allowing users to authenticate with a single tap, while still ensuring security. Microsoft’s Windows Hello also exemplifies this approach, enabling users to log in with facial recognition or a PIN that is tied to the specific device, offering a balance of convenience and security. Finally, many financial institutions are now using behavioural biometrics, which analyse patterns like typing speed or mouse movements to verify identity in the background, thereby enhancing security without interrupting the user experience.

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3. Educate Through Design

Security education doesn't have to be a boring, separate task. UX designers can incorporate educational elements into the design itself. For example, using tooltips, onboarding guides, and just-in-time tips to inform users about the importance of certain security measures and how to implement them correctly. By placing the user at the centre of security solutions, designers can help create protocols that users are more likely to adopt and follow. This approach reduces the likelihood of users bypassing security measures out of frustration.

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4. Leverage Behavioural Data for Continuous Improvement

Just like any other aspect of UX, security features should be tested with real users. Gathering feedback on what's working and what's not can lead to more effective and user-friendly security solutions. By analysing how users interact with security features, UX designers can identify patterns that might indicate security fatigue or potential vulnerabilities. Continuous testing and feedback loops can help refine security processes, making them more intuitive without sacrificing safety.

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Conclusion:

Organisations across sectors face significant challenges in maintaining cybersecurity within their expansive and complex digital environments. However, by bridging the gap between UX design and cybersecurity, we can create systems that protect valuable data while providing a seamless experience for users. As UX designers, we have a responsibility to contribute to the security of these environments by designing with both user experience and security in mind. Through collaboration, education, and continuous improvement, we can help reduce attack surfaces and create safer digital environments for all. By integrating thoughtful UX design into cybersecurity measures, organisations can better protect their systems and data while ensuring that users are not burdened by cumbersome security protocols. It's not just about making security easy—it's about making it effective and user-centric.

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