Designing an Enterprise Security Product from Scratch - In Conversation with Shriyash Shete


Designing an Enterprise Security Product from Scratch - In Conversation with Shriyash Shete

In today’s digital landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise, organizations across the globe are investing heavily in cybersecurity solutions to safeguard their digital assets and sensitive information. However, in the complex world of cybersecurity, where technical jargon and intricate systems is all we usually see, there is an emerging need for a different kind of expertise – the expertise of a User Experience (UX) Designer. Shriyash Shete, a seasoned UX Design professional with over 15 years of experience in the field, has successfully bridged the gap between cybersecurity and user-centric design.

Currently serving as a Senior User Experience Designer at Zscaler, a leading cybersecurity company, Shriyash has made great strides in the industry by designing and launching a brand-new Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) product – the Zscaler Risk360. Shriyash’s journey into the world of cybersecurity began with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by organizations in securing their digital infrastructure. He recognized that while cybersecurity solutions were abundant, there was a lack of emphasis on the user experience aspect of these products. This realization led him to embark on a mission to integrate the principles of user-centric design into the field of cybersecurity. “One of the biggest challenges in the cybersecurity domain is that the end-users of these products are often not the ones making the purchasing decisions. This creates a disconnect between the needs of the users and the features offered by the products,” explains Shriyash.

“As a UX Designer, my role is to bridge this gap and ensure that the products not only meet the security requirements but also provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.” Shriyash’s approach to cybersecurity UX design is rooted in his belief that the user experience should not be an afterthought but an integral part of the product development process. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs and challenges of the users in the cybersecurity domain, which often include IT administrators, security analysts, and executives.

Shete is a published scholar and researcher, with several insightful papers addressing the novel trends at the intersection of UX design and cybersecurity. Two of his notable publications include — “Information Visualization for a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Risk Quantification and Measurement” and “Interface Design for Cybersecurity Risk Quantification with Monte Carlo Simulation.”

“To design effective cybersecurity solutions, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the users’ workflows, pain points, and goals. This requires close collaboration with the end-users, conducting user research, and leveraging data to inform design decisions,” says Shriyash. One of the key principles that Shriyash follows in his UX design process is the concept of “designing for trust.” In the cybersecurity realm, where the stakes are high and the consequences of a security breach can be catastrophic, building trust between the users and the products is paramount. “Users need to have confidence in the security products they are using. This can be achieved through transparent and clear communication, intuitive interfaces, and a focus on usability,” explains Shriyash. “By designing products that are easy to understand and use, we can empower the users to make informed security decisions and ultimately enhance the overall security posture of the organization.”

Shriyash’s expertise in UX design has not only transformed the way organizations approach cybersecurity but has also opened up new avenues for designers in the field. His success in designing and launching a groundbreaking enterprise security product has not only garnered recognition within the industry but has also resulted in tangible benefits for the organizations using the product. “This new product has helped large enterprises save millions of dollars worth of operational, legal, and remediation costs. It has also prevented companies from cyber attacks that result in reputation harm,” shares Shriyash. “Additionally, it has also created a new revenue stream for my organization, attracting 100+ new contracts with global customers.”

As the field of cybersecurity continues to evolve, so does the role of the UX Designer. Shriyash believes that with the advent of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, there is a tremendous opportunity for UX Designers to shape the future of cybersecurity. “AI-powered products are becoming increasingly common in the cybersecurity space. This presents a unique challenge and opportunity for designers to leverage the newer design paradigms” — the expert concluded.