Examples of usable security in everyday life

1. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or iris scanning, has become commonplace in devices like smartphones and laptops. This method of authentication is an excellent example of usable security because it combines high security with ease of use. Unlike traditional passwords, which can be forgotten, stolen, or guessed, biometric data is unique to each individual and difficult to replicate. Moreover, it requires minimal effort from users, making the process more convenient and faster than entering a password or drawing a pattern.

• Reference: Schneier, B. (2015). Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World. W.W. Norton & Company.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, usually a one-time password (OTP) sent to a user’s mobile device. This method is widely used in online banking and email services. While it significantly enhances security by making unauthorized access more difficult, it remains usable because the second factor (typically a mobile phone) is usually readily available to the user. However, usability can be affected if there are delays in receiving the OTP or if the user needs to carry a physical security token.

• Reference: Anderson, R. (2020). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. Wiley.

3. Password Managers

Password managers are tools that securely store, manage, and generate complex passwords for various websites and applications. This is an example of usable security because it allows users to have strong, unique passwords for all their accounts without needing to remember each one. The user only needs to remember a single master password. The downside is that users need to learn how to use the tool and ensure compatibility across devices, which can present a learning curve.

• Reference: Grassi, P. A., Garcia, M. E., & Fenton, J. L. (2017). Digital Identity Guidelines: Authentication and Lifecycle Management. NIST.

4. Automated Security Updates

Automated security updates are designed to ensure that systems and software remain protected against the latest threats without requiring user intervention. This usability feature bypasses the common issue of users delaying or ignoring updates, which could leave their systems vulnerable. Although this process enhances security, it also allows users to schedule updates to avoid disrupting their workflow. The potential downside is that automatic updates might introduce compatibility issues with other software or hardware.

• Reference: Harkins, M. (2016). Managing Risk and Information Security: Protect to Enable. Apress.

5. End-to-End Encrypted Messaging Apps

Apps like Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Viber provide end-to-end encryption for messaging, meaning that only the communicating users can read the messages. The encryption process is seamless, requiring no technical knowledge from the user. These apps often include easy-to-use settings for enhancing privacy, such as disappearing messages or blocking unwanted contacts. This makes them a prime example of usable security—offering robust security without burdening the user with complex configurations.

• Reference: Greenberg, A. (2019). Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers. Doubleday.

6. Secure Web Protocols (HTTPS, SSL/TLS)

Secure web protocols like HTTPS, SSL, and TLS are used to protect online transactions and data transmission. These protocols are crucial for maintaining security in activities such as online shopping, banking, and logging into secure websites. From a usability perspective, users do not need to understand the technical details of these protocols; they only need to recognize common security indicators like the padlock icon in the browser, which signals a secure connection.

• Reference: Rescorla, E. (2001). SSL and TLS: Designing and Building Secure Systems. Addison-Wesley.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate how security measures can be effectively integrated into everyday tools and activities without compromising usability. The key to successful usable security is designing systems that align with user behaviors, minimize cognitive load, and provide a seamless user experience while maintaining a high level of security. Balancing security with usability is essential to ensure that users remain both secure and satisfied with the systems they use.