Cybersecurity and value creation: a balancing act

When we talk about security, whether it is about cybersecurity or the society we live in, it is easy to think that more is always better. But can we become too safe? Yes, if security measures become so strict that they prevent us from living, working and creating value. 

At Sicra, we work every day to find the balance between security on the one hand, and usability and productivity on the other. We know that 100% safety is never possible, and that attempts to achieve it can come at a high cost. 

Security as an enabler, not an obstacle 

When security measures become too extensive, they often create frustration and inefficiency. A good example is passwords. Many services require different passwords with complex rules, and the result is often that users write them down on sticky notes or in notebooks. At that point, the measure loses its effect. 

That is why we recommend solutions such as Single Sign-On (SSO),  passwordless logins and biometric methods. These solutions provide high security without slowing down the workflow. Personally, I use facial recognition on my work PC. This means I can work securely without wasting energy on barriers that stop me. 

When we apply the idea to society 

The same principle applies outside working life. In society, we must also balance security and safety on the one hand, and freedom and democratic principles on the other. 

Of course, we could reduce the risk of crime and terrorism by introducing curfews or extensive security checks in everyday life. But such a society would quickly lose its freedom and openness, and eventually the vitality that makes it worth living in. 

Reasonable classification instead of total lockdown 

At Sicra, we solve this in a practical way through information classification. Instead of treating everything as "secret", we divide information into categories based on how sensitive it is. In this way, the organization can share documents and collaborate effectively, while still protecting what is truly sensitive. 

Applied to society: If everything had been prohibited, we could not have had concerts, festivals or open public gatherings. We could, in practice, not have had a living democracy. 

It is all about balance 

Security is never about eliminating all risk, but about creating safe frameworks that allow us to work, collaborate and live freely. It is in fact possible to be too safe, especially when security becomes stricter than necessary and ends up limiting opportunities and value creation. 

At Sicra, we help organizations find this balance. Security should make everyday life easier, not harder.