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This blog was written by an independent guest blogger.
Information systems and cybersecurity go hand in hand. Understanding the relationship between the two is paramount for enterprises to optimize the user experience (UX).
How information systems transform enterprises
Enterprises use information systems to organize, process, analyze, and disseminate data. In doing so, enterprises can transform information into insights. Then, they can leverage these insights to find ways to become more productive and efficient than ever before.
Information systems can deliver immense value to enterprises. As such, hackers frequently target these systems. This can lead to revenue losses, brand reputation damage, and compliance penalties. It can also result in UX issues.
Accuracy and agility drive information systems management
When it comes to information systems management, enterprises must balance accuracy and agility. But doing so can be difficult.
Enterprise data must be consistent across information systems. Otherwise, data can become suspect and of little value. Thus, enterprises need processes to verify data accuracy.
Furthermore, data must be both secure and accessible to authorized users. Safeguards can protect against unauthorized access to information systems. Yet they can force enterprise users to commit significant time, energy, and resources to access data.
Discover how cybercriminals target information systems
Enterprises must account for a wide range of information systems threats, including:
- Privilege Escalation: Occurs when a cybercriminal exploits a system vulnerability to illegally access data and/or perform actions.
- Virus: Refers to any computer program used to alter system files.
- Trojan: Lets a hacker remotely access a system.
Cybercriminals will attack information systems repeatedly, without notice, and until they are successful — and enterprises must plan accordingly. That way, enterprises can protect their information systems against current and emerging cyber threats.
Why sustainable UX design is key
A sustainable UX design offers many benefits relative to information systems management. First, the design ensures data is easily discoverable. It limits load times, so users won't have to wait long to access the information they need when they need it. At the same time, the design helps an enterprise limit its carbon footprint. The design thereby provides cost savings. Also, the design highlights an enterprise's commitment to sustainability. As such, it helps an enterprise build goodwill with consumers and can lead to sales and revenue growth.
Developing and launching a sustainable UX design for information systems requires research. Designers must consider the current environmental impact of the existing UX, along with ways to minimize data use. Moreover, designers must account for cybersecurity.
Build security into information systems management
UX design for information systems can be sustainable and secure. However, planning for a sustainable and secure UX design requires attention to detail. And an enterprise must look beyond the design itself to ensure cybersecurity is incorporated into all aspects of information systems management.
The development and implementation of policies surrounding information systems management are critical. Enterprises must consider physical threats and other data security dangers. From here, they can create policies to secure their information systems. They can also fine-tune associated processes, so users can manage them with speed and precision.
Offer information systems management training
Education plays a vital role in information systems management. Teaching users about ransomware, malware, and other cyber threats can help an enterprise guard against cyberattacks. It empowers users with insights they can use to identify such attacks and respond to them accordingly.
Enterprises can leverage training sessions and tabletop exercises to teach users about information systems security. They can offer regular tutorials throughout the year to keep users up to date about new cyber threats. And they can provide staff with opportunities to earn an information systems management degree as well.
Additionally, enterprises can update their information systems policies, processes, and training programs in conjunction with one another. This ensures consistency across all areas of information systems management.
Perform ongoing information systems analysis
Enterprises must seek out ways to enhance their information systems. Audits can be conducted periodically to learn about information systems security issues that disrupt the UX.
With audits, enterprises understand their information systems’ strengths and weaknesses. They can then produce reports that deliver insights into information systems security. These insights can provide the basis for information systems upgrades.
Explore ways to get the most value out of information systems
Information systems management and optimization is a continuous process. Enterprises must consider the functionality of their information systems and ensure it meets the needs of their stakeholders. Meanwhile, they must balance security and UX, to the point where users can leverage the systems without putting enterprises or their data at risk.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ensure an enterprise can maximize the value of its information systems. By evaluating security and UX in combination with each other, an enterprise is well-equipped to streamline information systems management. This enterprise can ensure users can safely and seamlessly access data. It can be persistent in its efforts to constantly improve its information systems and the way they are managed, too.
Make information systems management a priority. Work diligently to incorporate security into UX design, and vice versa. This empowers an enterprise to get the most value out of its information systems, now and in the future.
Article Link: Information systems and cybersecurity: Connections in UX and beyond | AT&T Cybersecurity