Security shouldn't be a pain: how companies can promote pragmatic security solutions 🔒

The problem: Safety is perceived as an obstacle

Let's imagine the following situation: A large data set needs to be transferred from A to B quickly. The requirements of the company-wide security guidelines? Forgotten, ignored or simply perceived as cumbersome. Instead, the file is saved on an external data carrier or uploaded to private cloud storage. Thoughts such as ‘What could possibly go wrong?’ or ‘It's quicker this way.’ dominate.

Such scenarios are not uncommon. In many companies, well-intentioned security measures are met with resistance because they are perceived as obstructive or impractical. The result: security breaches that could have been avoided and an increased risk of data loss or data breaches.

Why do such breaches happen?

1. Complexity of the security guidelines: Overly complicated or inflexible guidelines are a deterrent.

2. Time pressure: Employees often prioritise efficiency over compliance.

3. Lack of sensitisation: Security risks are often not taken seriously enough because their consequences seem abstract.

4. Lack of alternatives: If safe routes are cumbersome or not user-friendly, they are simply bypassed.

The solution: security that makes everyday work easier

In order to implement security measures effectively, they must be able to be seamlessly integrated into everyday working life. The following approaches can help:

1. Prioritise user-friendliness: Security solutions should be designed to be as simple as possible. Secure file transfer, for example, should be just as quick and convenient as uploading to private cloud storage.

2. Education and communication: Awareness-raising campaigns can sensitise employees to the consequences of security breaches - without lecturing, but with comprehensible practical examples.

3. Create flexibility: Companies should offer pragmatic solutions that meet the needs of employees. For example, through secure, cloud-based working environments or easily accessible encryption tools.

4. Obtain feedback: Regular dialogue with employees can help to identify weaknesses in security measures and make them more practice-oriented.

Practical examples of ‘easy on the nerves’ security

• Secure cloud access: Employees can store data in a company-managed, secure cloud and access it from anywhere.

• Automated security checks: Instead of constant input and passwords, biometric solutions such as fingerprint scanners could be used.

• One-click encryption: Tools that automatically encrypt and securely transfer files without the need for additional steps.

Conclusion: security is a joint project

Security measures must not be perceived as an obstacle - they must support work, not hinder it. When companies design security solutions that are user-friendly, flexible and suitable for everyday use, everyone benefits: employees can work efficiently and the organisation remains protected from security risks.

Because one thing is certain: a security culture that promotes understanding, practicability and trust is the key to sustainable success.