Technology is accelerating rapidly and bringing many changes throughout the world. Undoubtedly, it has impacted every aspect of our life and made our routine tasks easier. While technological advancements have benefitted us in many ways, such as ecommerce, crypto, entertainment etc., it also brings some challenges as well. One such crucial and pertinent issue of this technological era is that of Data Security. As we live in a modern age entirely equipped with digital tools and gadgets, we realise how important our privacy is in the online space.

Have you ever wondered what happens if your website gets hacked? Isn't it terrifying? It is. Being hacked is not only dangerous for the information that falls into the wrong hands. It also has an impact on the firm's reputation and has a significant influence on the company's sales and revenue.

This article will provide you with several ways to use UX Design to improve user data security.

How to Increase Data Security with UX Design

There are still several reasons to ensure users know the risks, even when just browsing. This is possible with thoughtful UX design. Here are four simple ways to improve data security through intuitive UX design that can leverage UX designers:

State Risks and Risk-Aversion Measures

Remind users of the security measures in place and SSL encryption. This will increase consumer trust in your products and services. Add tools that teach users to choose secure passwords and provide as little personal information as possible.

Remind users of the need for a strong password, such as requiring them to produce one capital letter, two special characters, and a number. You must know that your clients understand the importance of data security. They will be motivated to create a more secure password if the danger is clear.

Make security alerts clear and informative. Notify your users that the extra step is required if the security measures require it. Show your design knowledge. To make the experience more interesting, provide brief remarks using prose and graphics instead of a lengthy security document. When users gain results, reward them with language and images for their perseverance and dedication to security.

Make Authentication Simpler

Security flows are the UX aspects that users detest the most. Registration, password management, two-step authentication, and other tasks are usually not user-friendly.

Using a single sign-on is an excellent way to improve the user experience. You may still use two-factor authentication when inputting credit card or financial information, but one sign-in may be preferred for everyday sign-ins with fewer data.

Cut Down on Complexity

Technical jargon is not permitted. A professional UX designer understands that design is focused on user comprehension and simplicity. If you must disclose security threats to users, do it as straightforwardly as feasible.

Give a layman's description of how a security measure works. Consider how the user might interpret technical details before you write them down. Use simple language rather than ambiguous terminology, which may encourage users to circumvent security measures.

A well-planned UX platform with inherent security and adherence to UX standards has a better chance of succeeding than a poorly designed platform. A logical interface seems safer and promotes trust.

Address Commonly Attacked UX Areas To Increase Trust

Designers and data security professionals must work together to thoroughly understand users' security intents, behaviors, and expectations. They can manage the design aspects while predicting the risks of employing collaboration tools for design teams.

Cutting out stakeholders increases the danger. By default, your design should incorporate privacy. Your product must be functional, appealing, accessible, and secure. Its security and utility must be evaluated. Screen-sharing tools that the top user testing and research solutions use on-site record feedback.

Instead of creating a product that is so secure that it cannot be used, identify security flaws and address them. Security measures must be included in the design from the outset and throughout the product's lifespan. Security perimeters should not be front-loaded; instead, they should be embedded throughout the user experience to decrease friction while maintaining security. To make this happen:

An email address should not be used as a username. Every system that uses the same email address could be hacked.
Check that error handling does not jeopardise the website's security. If a password is an input incorrectly, do not spell out the email address to which a password is sent.
Require strong passwords.
Incorporating user-friendly authentication processes and multi factor authentication methods into remote access system can enhance user data security and provide additional layers of protection against unauthorised access.
Search for password substitutes, such as biometric authentication, for secure authentication.
Modify the settings so users and administrators can select who can and cannot share content.
Users should only be allowed to see and share info that they want, limiting data access.

Final Thoughts:

Implementing user-centred security design and providing clear and concise instructions to users can enhance user data security and increase employee engagement by promoting a culture of security awareness and empowerment. Finally, you can use UX design to improve user data security by following the above mentioned ways.

Abi Fawcus is a freelance UX Consultant, Website Designer, Logo Designer and Graphic Designer based in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Contact me for more information.