Why computer security advice is more confusing than it should be
Analyzing the Problem
A recent study conducted at North Carolina State University has shed light on why computer security advice can be confusing and ineffective. The study highlights the way computer security guidelines are created and provides recommendations for improvement in order to make computers safer for users.
The Problem with Current Guidelines
Computer security guidelines provided by organizations like businesses and government agencies are meant to help employees protect personal and employer data and minimize risks associated with threats like malware and phishing scams. However, these guidelines often fail to effectively communicate the most important security advice, resulting in confusion for users.
The study conducted interviews with professionals responsible for writing computer security guidelines and found that guideline writers tend to include every possible item from various authoritative sources, rather than curating the information to prioritize what is most important. As a result, the guidelines become overwhelming, and the crucial security advice gets lost.
The Need for Improvement
The research team identified two key recommendations to improve future security guidelines:
1. Clear Information Curation
Guideline writers need a clear set of best practices on how to curate information so that security guidelines convey both essential knowledge and guidance on how to prioritize that information. By curating information effectively, guideline writers can streamline the guidelines and ensure that the most critical security points are not overshadowed.
2. Targeted Messaging
Writers and the computer security community as a whole need to develop key messages that make sense to different audiences with varying levels of technical competence. This entails translating complex technical concepts into simple, concise advice that can be understood and implemented by users.
Lessons from the Pandemic
In comparing computer security advice with public health guidelines during the pandemic, the researchers highlight the need for simplicity. Despite the complexity of medicine, public health experts were able to provide the public with straightforward guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Similarly, computer security guidelines should aim for simplicity and conciseness.
Support for Guideline Writers
The researchers stress the importance of research, guidelines, and communities of practice that support guideline writers. These writers play a critical role in translating computer security discoveries into practical advice for real-world application. By providing assistance and resources to guideline writers, organizations can ensure the creation of guidelines that are easy to understand and implement.
Taking Responsibility
Lastly, the researchers emphasize the need to avoid blaming employees in the event of a computer security incident. Instead, the focus should be on creating guidelines that are accessible and user-friendly, reducing the chances of non-compliance due to confusion or overload of rules.
Conclusion
Improving computer security advice requires a shift in the way guidelines are created. By curating information effectively, targeting messaging to different levels of technical competence, and providing support for guideline writers, organizations can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of computer security guidelines. Ultimately, the goal is to empower users to protect themselves and their organizations, creating a safer digital environment.
Reference:
Shipman, M. (2023, July 25). Why computer security advice is more confusing than it should be. Retrieved from Tima Miroshnichenko >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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