4 Innovative Approaches to Balance Information System Security with User Experience
Modern organizations face the challenge of protecting information systems without sacrificing usability. This article presents four innovative approaches to security that maintain a positive user experience, drawing on expert insights from cybersecurity professionals. From AI-powered email protection to implementing security as code, these strategies offer practical solutions for balancing robust security measures with seamless user interactions.
AI-Powered Email Security Enhances Protection Seamlessly
We implemented an advanced email security solution that integrates seamlessly with our Microsoft 365 environment to protect against emerging threats. The system leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and quarantine suspicious communications before they reach our users' inboxes. It continues to optimize email filtering and threat detection based on many metrics such as user behavior, email type and frequency, and link and attachment information. Our approach maintained strong security standards while ensuring minimal disruption to normal workflows, as the tool operates in the background without requiring significant user intervention and didn't need to replace an existing solution. The platform also proved cost-effective with its relatively low, per-user licensing model, allowing us to strengthen our security posture without substantial budget increases.
Role-Based Access Control With Adaptive MFA
Our enterprise portal received role-based access control (RBAC) integration with claims-based identity through ASP.NET Core Identity and Azure AD. The system provided detailed permission management through a user-friendly interface that avoided performance issues. The system presented users with features based on their roles while internal APIs checked server-side claims to stop users from gaining unauthorized access.
The system implemented adaptive MFA which activated only during high-risk operations including financial report exports and account permission modifications. The system maintained its standard user experience for regular operations yet fulfilled all access control and audit requirements specified by the client.
Phased MFA Deployment Prioritizes Risk Levels
We implemented a staged multi-factor authentication (MFA) rollout for clients, prioritizing risk levels rather than mandating immediate adoption for all users. Initially, some partners and executives expressed concerns about added complexity. To address this, we began by enabling MFA for remote access on high-privilege accounts and VPN connections. As users became accustomed to the process and experienced minimal workflow disruption, we gradually extended MFA to email, cloud applications, and ultimately to all company logins.
This gradual approach was essential. It enabled user education and allowed us to resolve technical issues without causing disruption. As a result, we achieved a stronger security posture with minimal resistance. The process also identified gaps in user training, which we addressed through phishing simulations and microlearning videos. Now, clients proactively request MFA, recognizing that it enhances both their security and their clients' confidence.
Security as Code Creates Frictionless Protection
Our team implemented a multi-layered security approach that integrates tools like Prisma Cloud, Azure DevOps, and GitHub Advanced Security directly into the development process. By applying risk-based controls and Zero Trust principles, we established strong security guardrails without creating friction for users. This integration of security as code allowed us to implement protection measures that work seamlessly in the background while maintaining smooth user interactions. The result was robust security that operates transparently to users, ensuring protection without compromising their experience.
