Balancing system functionality and cybersecurity: Are you prepared to make tough decisions?

SDLC, DevSecOps, Privacy and Security by design should be followed incorporating the necessary risk assessment. Building security champions is the optimal way to engage with developers making them embrace security on the development life cycle. The system usability will need to take into consideration modern authentication methods and also embrace a unified strategy for all systems such as SSO, MFA, PAM, ephemeral certificates etc. The problem usually encountered is when we have a mix of old systems with new systems where we try to upgrade them to meet all requirements. It's wise to build all security features in the beginning and don't blame security pros when they tell you you need to do these things. Peace.

While I concur that security is paramount and a balance must be struck between customer/user experience and security measures, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant financial constraints and labor shortages that further complicate this matter. However, of the two aforementioned core factors: Security vs. Features, I tend to have a lower risk tolerance and lean toward security over bells and whistles. The bells and whistles can be vetted over time, and if enough resources are available for support, they can be launched. The biggest hurdle is everyone meeting in the middle and defining not only expectations but also resources and constraints. Get to "yes" as securely, with the least burden, and as financially responsibly as possible.

When developing a system, the first step in making trade-offs is to understand the risk introduced by new functionality. Use Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) to assign a financial impact to potential threats. If this feature were exploited, what would it cost? Then, evaluate the financial rewards: How will it boost revenue, enhance customer retention, or increase efficiency? With these numbers in hand—both potential losses and expected gains—you’re equipped to make a decision. The goal isn’t to choose one over the other but to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.

While a 'security first' mindset is crucial, security for its own sake isn’t the solution. It’s about balancing risk and reward. Embedding security from the start—through encryption, secure authentication, and regular audits—is vital, but these measures should align with the actual risks and the system’s value. Slowing development or limiting functionality should be a strategic choice, not a reflexive one. The key is ensuring security measures are proportionate to the risks, balancing protection with the system’s ability to deliver value. Security should enable innovation, not stifle it, by creating a stable foundation where security enhances, not hinders, overall effectiveness.

Balancing cybersecurity with user experience (UX) is a delicate act, but it’s essential to approach it through the lens of risk versus reward. A secure system that frustrates users is at risk of poor adoption, which can be just as damaging as a security breach. The key is to assess the financial impact of UX decisions—both the risks of making the experience too cumbersome and the rewards of creating a seamless, user-friendly interface. By understanding these trade-offs in financial terms, you can make informed decisions that keep security robust without sacrificing usability. The goal is to ensure that security enhances the user experience rather than becoming an obstacle to it.

In simple terms its Risk vs Reward. When introducing new functionalities, we must assess if any additional security risks are being introduced. If risks are getting introduced, we must assess them quantitatively and qualitatively. Once we know the risks, we can work towards mitigation with additional security controls and if any residual risk , we must assess if it can be accepted. Whatever is the decision at the end , it must be clearly documented.

Risk management is indeed crucial when balancing system functionality and cybersecurity, but it’s not just about identifying risks—it’s about quantifying them using a valid Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) model. Understanding the financial impact of potential risks and their likelihood is key to making informed decisions. With CRQ, you can prioritize risks based on real numbers, allowing you to allocate resources where they’ll have the most significant impact. This approach ensures that you’re not just reacting to perceived threats but making strategic decisions about which functionalities can be safely implemented without compromising security or financial stability.

Continuous improvement in cybersecurity isn’t just about making updates—it's about staying ahead of threats through a strategic process. This is where the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) becomes essential. By constantly observing the evolving threat landscape, orienting yourself with the latest intelligence, deciding on the most effective countermeasures, and acting swiftly, you create a dynamic feedback loop that keeps your system resilient. The OODA Loop ensures that your security measures aren't static but evolve alongside emerging threats, keeping your system secure while continuously improving its functionality to meet user needs.