You're launching a new software. How can you ensure cybersecurity without sacrificing user experience?
Launching a new software is an exciting venture, but it can quickly become a nightmare if you overlook cybersecurity. You might worry that stringent security measures will deter users, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, you can maintain a robust cybersecurity posture while still offering a seamless user experience. The key is to strike the right balance between protection and usability. By integrating security into the design from the start and educating your users, you can create a safe environment that doesn't intimidate or inconvenience them.
When developing your software, security should be a foundational element, not an afterthought. This means incorporating secure coding practices to mitigate vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting. Use tools that automatically scan your code for such issues and remediate them before they become a problem. Remember, the more secure your codebase is from the outset, the less friction users will experience later on due to security patches or compromised data.
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Chris Denbigh-White
Chief Information Security Officer | Startup Advisor | Public Speaking |
Threat modelling is key in the design phase and throught the process of designing, building and deploying software. it acts as a roadmap to potential security hazards, allowing you to address them before they become real problems. A good place to start is looking at the acronmym STRIDE. It stands for: Spoofing Tampering Repudiation Information Disclosure Denial of Service Elevation of Privilege When buildign something if we ask "How could ,<one of the above things> happen in the product we are building? and in light of this "how do we design around reducing the liklihood of this?" We are begining to threat model. I cannot recommend this enough!
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Khalid Hussain ✔ Web Developer
Frontend Engineer @TechAlphalogix | React.js Specialist | Freelance Web Developer | Computer Science Graduate | IAM (SailPoint) | xAmal Fellow | Szabist23 | xAKHSS |
To ensure cybersecurity without sacrificing user experience: ● Use MFA: Opt for seamless methods like biometrics or push notifications. ● Educate Users: Provide unobtrusive security tips and onboarding. ●Encrypt Data: Protect data in transit and at rest without impacting performance. ●Minimize Disruption: Keep security measures in the background. ●Update Smoothly: Ensure updates are user-friendly. ●User-Centric Design: Involve users to identify and fix friction points. ●Privacy by Design: Integrate privacy features from the start. Prioritize a user-first approach to make security measures enhance, not hinder, the experience.
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Rupesh Shirke, CISSP
OT Cybersecurity Professional | CISSP | SAFe | CC | ITIL| CSM | ISA/ IEC 62443 Certified | Mentor | Speaker | OWASP, IEEE member | Volunteer
Imagine building a house. Security should be embedded in the foundation, not bolted on later. Secure coding practices are like using reinforced steel and high-quality materials. They make your software inherently strong, preventing vulnerabilities like weak entry points (SQL injection) or hidden backdoors (cross-site scripting). Tools that scan your code act like blueprints and inspections, catching flaws early on. By prioritizing security from the start, you avoid the need for expensive renovations (security patches) and ensure a safe living space (secure software) for your users.
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Tucker S.
Manager, Information Security & HIPAA Security Officer
Secure by design goes far past just code. You should know the workflows and use cases of the audience you’re targeting. If you’re building an app for healthcare, seek the feedback of healthcare professionals for QA. E.g., things like ensuring people can’t accidentally delete all. And if they intentionally can, then having MFA around it a way to restore previously deleted. Find how they use (and break) your tools and ensure your security controls are built around their native workflows. It’s really flashy to see that a hacker found a vulnerability and exploited it, but 9 out of 10 times the incident occurring is actually going to be either a misuse or misconfiguration. Account for those during your design, no matter what you’re building
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Kamlesh Kathiriya
Ethical Hacker | Penetration Tester | eJPT | Google Cybersecurity | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @TryhackMe Top 1% | CTFs | Red Teaming | Defensive Security | APIs Security | Python | Continuous Learner
To ensure cybersecurity without sacrificing user experience when launching new software, start with secure design 🛠️. Implement security best practices from the outset, such as secure coding, threat modeling, and rigorous testing. Integrate security features seamlessly into the software's architecture to provide robust protection without compromising performance or usability. This foundational approach helps mitigate vulnerabilities while maintaining a smooth user experience.
Educating your users about the importance of cybersecurity can go a long way. When they understand the risks, they're more likely to appreciate the security measures you've implemented. Create clear, concise guides or tutorials that explain how to use your software securely. For example, if your software requires strong passwords, explain why this is crucial and provide tips for creating them. User education not only enhances security but also builds trust.
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Kamlesh Kathiriya
Ethical Hacker | Penetration Tester | eJPT | Google Cybersecurity | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @TryhackMe Top 1% | CTFs | Red Teaming | Defensive Security | APIs Security | Python | Continuous Learner
focus on user education 🧑🏫. Develop clear and concise educational materials to inform users about security features and best practices. Use in-app tutorials, tooltips, and help sections to guide users on how to keep their accounts and data secure. By empowering users with knowledge, you can enhance security while ensuring they feel confident and supported.
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Omar Mohamed 💡
Certified Google IT Support and Cybersecurity Professional | SOC Analyst | Cybersecurity Specialist | Incident Response Expert
Understood. Here’s a concise reply: User education is crucial for cybersecurity. By providing clear guides and tutorials on secure software usage, explaining the importance of strong passwords, and conducting regular training, users can better understand and appreciate the security measures in place. This not only enhances security but also builds trust.
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Aayush Pandey
PenTester | Threat Hunting | Blue Teaming | Incident Response | IT Risk Management | MS Cybersecurity @ SUNY Buffalo | CompTIA Security
Through simple guides and interactive tutorials, educate users about best practices in cybersecurity. Detail the significance of robust passwords, smart browsing practices, and phishing awareness. Enhance the learning experience with in-app tips and videos. When you educate your users, be it family members or employees, and let them help themselves in navigating the security minefield on the web, you measure security not just from intrinsic technical benefits but trust that their well-being comes first.
Authentication is critical for security but can be a point of friction for users. To balance this, consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) that doesn't overwhelm the user. For instance, use a one-time passcode sent via SMS or email, coupled with biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition. This approach adds a layer of security while keeping the process straightforward and quick for the user.
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Seshanth S, CSA®
Security Engineer | Cyber Security
Multi-factor authentication has become mandatory in the application security domain. We have to mandate it in secure design principles as well. Following a well versed SSDLC can enable the minimum risk of vulnerabilities occurrence in the other layers of software system.
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Kamlesh Kathiriya
Ethical Hacker | Penetration Tester | eJPT | Google Cybersecurity | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @TryhackMe Top 1% | CTFs | Red Teaming | Defensive Security | APIs Security | Python | Continuous Learner
Simplify authentication 🔐 to balance security and convenience. Implement user-friendly authentication methods such as biometrics, single sign-on (SSO), and two-factor authentication (2FA). These methods offer robust security without creating friction in the user experience. Aim for a seamless login process that secures user data while providing quick and easy access to the software.
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Mustafa Issabayev
Senior Security Engineer, Cloud Security, Infrastructure Security, DevSecOps
Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are the best approaches. It makes user experience much better while improving security and access management.
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Dhruv Patel
VAPT And SOC Intern at 7hill Cyberwall | Aspiring SOC analyst | Security Monitoring | Networking | VAPT | Cyber crime intervention officer (CCIO) | Computer Engineer | ISO/IEC 27001:2022 INFORMATION SECURITY ASSOCIATE
importance of balancing security with user experience in authentication processes. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is indeed critical for enhancing security, but it’s essential to implement it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm users. Combining a one-time passcode sent via SMS or email with biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition is a great approach. This method not only adds an extra layer of security but also keeps the authentication process straightforward and quick for users. Striking the right balance ensures that security measures are effective without compromising user convenience.
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Aayush Pandey
PenTester | Threat Hunting | Blue Teaming | Incident Response | IT Risk Management | MS Cybersecurity @ SUNY Buffalo | CompTIA Security
Secure ease of use versus security and implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for authentication. Evaluate products that offer biometrics, push notifications, or Single Sign-On (SSO) to simplify access procedures without diminishing your security. An example of this is fingerprint recognition or facial ID, security aspects that achieve great strength since they require little user effort. It only provides strong protection but a seamless user experience as well.
Keep your software secure with regular updates that patch vulnerabilities and enhance features. Automate the update process as much as possible to reduce user involvement and ensure that they're always running the latest version. Use in-app notifications to inform users about the updates and their benefits, making the process transparent and hassle-free.
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Kamlesh Kathiriya
Ethical Hacker | Penetration Tester | eJPT | Google Cybersecurity | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @TryhackMe Top 1% | CTFs | Red Teaming | Defensive Security | APIs Security | Python | Continuous Learner
Commit to regular updates 🔄 to maintain security over time. Release timely updates and patches to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Communicate the importance of these updates to users and ensure they are easy to install. Regular updates not only enhance security but also demonstrate your ongoing commitment to protecting user data.
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Omar Mohamed 💡
Certified Google IT Support and Cybersecurity Professional | SOC Analyst | Cybersecurity Specialist | Incident Response Expert
Regular updates are essential for maintaining software security. By regularly patching vulnerabilities and enhancing features, you can keep your software robust against threats. Automate the update process to minimize user involvement and ensure they always have the latest version. Use in-app notifications to inform users about updates and their benefits, making the process transparent and hassle-free. This not only enhances security but also improves user trust and satisfaction.
Respect user privacy by implementing privacy by design principles. This means collecting only the data you need, storing it securely, and being transparent about its use. Provide clear privacy settings within your software, allowing users to control their information. By prioritizing privacy, you reassure users that their data is safe, which can improve their overall experience.
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Kamlesh Kathiriya
Ethical Hacker | Penetration Tester | eJPT | Google Cybersecurity | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @TryhackMe Top 1% | CTFs | Red Teaming | Defensive Security | APIs Security | Python | Continuous Learner
Adopt a privacy by design approach 🕵️♂️. Ensure that user privacy is a core consideration throughout the development process. Minimize data collection, anonymize sensitive information, and provide users with clear choices about their data privacy settings. By prioritizing privacy, you can build trust and provide a secure experience that respects user rights.
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Aayush Pandey
PenTester | Threat Hunting | Blue Teaming | Incident Response | IT Risk Management | MS Cybersecurity @ SUNY Buffalo | CompTIA Security
Utilize privacy by design standards: keep only the data that is truly needed, and be transparent about how it will be used! Enforce strong data encryption and offer simple privacy settings to allow users to manage their own information. Demonstrate to users that you are serious about protecting their privacy right from the outset, giving them peace of mind and helping your app comply with behemoths like GDPR. Reassure users that their data is in safe hands and will not be misused.
Finally, deploy continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond to threats in real time. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of breaches and maintains system integrity without burdening the user. If an issue arises, communicate with your users promptly and clearly about what happened and what you're doing to fix it. Transparency in your security efforts can reinforce user confidence.
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Shrinivas Patil [.
Cyber Security Evangelist with experience in Endpoint and Cloud Services
By implementing tools that provide real-time visibility into system integrity, you can proactively detect and respond to any potential threats before they escalate. Continuous monitoring allows for the identification of vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in the software, ensuring a strong defense against cyber attacks. Integrating continuous monitoring tools also helps maintain compliance with security standards and regulations by constantly assessing the software's security posture. Through automated alerts and notifications, any suspicious activity can be promptly addressed, minimizing the impact on users' experience. It creates a robust cybersecurity framework enhancing user's trust, ensuring overall reliability of software offering.
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Mustafa Issabayev
Senior Security Engineer, Cloud Security, Infrastructure Security, DevSecOps
Continuous Monitoring is essential for any organizations security team. Without SIEM or other monitoring tool you are blind, you do not know what is happening in your organization.
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Abdoulaye .D
Cyber Security Consultant - Cyber Trust at Devoteam
Menace modeling : use threat models to identify potential risks from the outset and mitigate them in way that is transparent to the user
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Aayush Pandey
PenTester | Threat Hunting | Blue Teaming | Incident Response | IT Risk Management | MS Cybersecurity @ SUNY Buffalo | CompTIA Security
Threat modeling helps us to discover risks which could occur in the early stage of development, and mitigate it with full visibility. User beta testing where we get real-world feedback on security features and user experience. Continuously evolve security best practices to outpace new threats.
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