User-centred design: The key to security positive culture
As the landscape of national security continues to shift with rapidly moving global events – and technological advances continue to outpace regulation – digital transformation in our security apparatus is not a trend but a necessity.
As a principal solutions architect with a rich background in intelligence and national security, I’m privileged to see the pivotal role of user-centred design in steering change such programmes. It’s never just about the tech; it’s about the processes technology assists and, most importantly of all, the people who use those services.
The power of user involvement
Why is user involvement critical in digital transformation? Well, simply put, the users are the ones on the frontline, interacting with the systems daily. Their insights are invaluable in identifying potential security gaps and operational inefficiencies.
For instance, a user-centric approach in developing a new intelligence analysis platform could lead to a more intuitive interface, significantly reducing errors and enhancing data security. How could technologists know a screen was showing too much data without asking someone who knows what too much looks like? Scenarios like these exemplify how user feedback can directly impact security outcomes.
User-centred design does more than improve system efficiency and security. It fosters a strong security culture within the organisation undergoing transformation.
Security positive culture
When users are part of the design process, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the system, its data, and its security. One of the key driving forces behind malicious insider threats is disillusionment and disengagement, so the effort is far from misplaced. Building systems in this collaborative and engaging way significantly reduces the threat posed by accidental insiders too, so it’s a win-win for security.
“By bringing users along on digital transformation journeys, organisations can not only enhance their security posture but also cultivate a security positive culture.”
Open and candid engagement is crucial in nurturing a meaningful and durable, security-conscious mindset. Integrating user-centred design in digital transformation initiatives is not just a best practice. It’s a strategic move towards building more secure and effective systems.
By bringing users along on digital transformation journeys, organisations can not only enhance their security posture but also cultivate a security positive culture.
In the national security arena, where the stakes are higher than ever, such an approach is not just beneficial, it is the only way to execute successful and safe change. At Zaizi we are on hand to help, from workshops through to full partnerships. It’s what we do.
About Zaizi
Based in Hammersmith, with highly skilled and talented staff across the UK, we provide secure and durable solutions in partnership with public sector clients from a variety of departments. We hold Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, as well as ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management).
Our mission is to make the UK the best and safest place to live and work. We do this by empowering public sector organisations to deliver exceptional, user-centric, and secure digital services.
Civil servants are dedicated to improving citizens’ lives. But as the government openly discusses, many challenges hinder digital change in the sector. Our commitment to helping successfully deliver digital government reflects our experience helping public sector partners achieve exceptional outcomes.
We are dedicated to fulfilling our social and environmental responsibilities and believe in using technology to improve society. Zaizi is committed to working with the UK government and public sector organisations to help the push towards net zero emissions and have partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our work, please get in touch.
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