For New Security Tech Solutions, Simplicity Is King

Featured article by Sally Writes, Independent Technology Author

Security tech is set to rise to ever increasing importance over the coming years as the Financial Times of London found that businesses will increase cybersecurity spend by 5%. Innovation will move into the natural areas of technology that lend themselves to cybersecurity – primarily, AI. However, what some start-ups have found is that clients are concerned about accessibility; one start-up, again reported on in the Financial Times, was found by analysts to be a product that “people don’t really understand”.

For cyber tech start-ups, a key challenge for new projects will be integrating effective security solutions while making them accessible to their consumer base. Ways of conducting business online are changing rapidly and solutions are becoming more complex. How does a business combine future tech with simple safeguards?

Starting at physical security

The dominance of cloud storage and now computing continues unabated and has seen physical security methods relegated to a lower tier in the cybersecurity pyramid. Despite this, some of the most cutting edge technology available has raised the prospect of physical data security methods. Consider blockchain cryptocurrency traders who will frequently deploy the use a physical hard drive or flash drive to store their cryptocurrency wallet, for example. Furthermore, cybersecurity analysts for Forbes have recommended regular data backups to create data assurance within businesses. In an emergency, write-once credentials can be created and stored in a physical situation to provide master control during data breach or hacking situations.

Looking towards legislation

A physical backup is a great first step for cybersecurity tech firms to simplify their processes and offer something straightforward to clients. Legislation is aiding with this by forcing simplicity in cybersecurity measures. The WaPo reported in October 2018 that California had prohibited weak passwords in new IoT devices. How does this help to promote effective simplicity? As noted in their report, software programmers are likely to implement these measures across their products – “write once, sell everywhere”. Making consumers think twice about their passwords – unilaterally – is an effective way to hit home the cybersecurity message in an accessible manner.

Being wary of AI

Artificial intelligence, if deployed in a way that limits any sort of human input, is potentially an excellent way to manage cybersecurity. It would be simple, straightforward, and triage complex problems without requiring technical expertise. As a result, many firms are developing AI products; Research and Markets estimate the cybersecurity-AI industry will reach $18.3bn by 2023.

However, the MIT Technology Review has suggested that AI can be susceptible to flaws. Finding a balance is required; cybersecurity developers looking at artificial intelligence should look towards user-friendly solutions, where problems are presented in a legible and actionable manner without entirely dumbing down the product so as to make it inaccessible to technical help.

Cybersecurity is one of the most important technology markets in the modern day. As technology becomes more complex, and more integrated in day to day life, so do the threats. Simply showing these threats is insufficient, and helping businesses and consumers to find simplicity in cybertech solutions is crucial.