By Luis Eduardo Álvarez Martínez, Cyber Threat & Innovation Lead
In the age of constant connectivity, security has become naturally integrated into our user experience. When we unlock our phone with Face ID, a fingerprint or a PIN, use two-factor authentication to make a transfer, or check whether a website is trustworthy — cybersecurity works silently in the background, protecting us without friction and without interrupting the user journey.
From everyday life to the corporate world
When we transfer this routine into the corporate environment, the user’s perspective changes. A digital security failure is no longer an individual problem; it becomes a risk that can impact an entire organisation — its finances, strategy and reputation.
Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue, but also a cultural one. Its impact is reflected in how users and other brands perceive an organisation, which can lead to reduced adoption of its products and a loss of trust. According to IBM’s 2025 report, the global average cost of a data breach reached 4.44 million US dollars, making advanced and resilient solutions essential to strengthen security, protect user data, and reduce reputational and economic risks.
This growing need to reinforce digital security has driven the evolution of identity verification and biometric authentication processes, which have become key elements as interactions and services move online. A frictionless digital onboarding process that combines agility and security makes it easier to welcome new clients.
Cybersecurity: a matter of balance
Today, digital security is no longer an isolated universe, but a shared language among individuals, organisations and the State. It is about protecting identity, information and integrity — at home and at work.
Over the years, I have observed that users are increasingly willing to accept small frictions — such as additional verification steps — when they perceive that these provide genuine protection. This cultural shift reflects growing digital maturity: security is no longer seen purely as a barrier, but as an essential component of trust, even if that acceptance remains limited.
The real challenge, however, lies in balancing experience and security. Every interaction should have a clear purpose and add real value, avoiding unnecessary steps that only generate frustration. Conversely, the adoption of frictionless technologies makes it possible to protect users and organisations while removing needless barriers, offering a smooth and secure experience that builds trust and encourages adoption.
A clear example of this balance in action is the European Union’s anti-fraud verification system: when the recipient’s name does not match the account holder’s IBAN, an alert is triggered — a minimal friction that can prevent millions in fraud.
More and more companies now recognise that cybersecurity must be a priority. Today, design and protection no longer compete — they complement each other. Technologies such as biometrics or single sign-on (SSO) make authentication processes both user-friendly and secure. In such cases, security is almost invisible — yet essential.
The goal is not to choose between security or experience, but to integrate them naturally. When that happens, digital protection ceases to be perceived as a barrier and becomes a tangible element of trust.
Regulation as a compass
The third pillar of this convergence is regulation. For years, regulations were seen as obstacles — but today they are understood as guides. A good example is the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which uses biometrics to replace manual passport stamping, streamlining and automating border processes.
Within this framework, solutions such as those developed by Facephi apply biometric technology in full compliance with regulatory and privacy standards. For instance, Facephi adheres to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, and guaranteeing that identity verification remains secure and legally compliant.
Adapting to regulatory frameworks requires time, reflection and strategy: security cannot be improvised. Regulations not only define protection standards but also promote user privacy and help companies build trustworthy environments. Far from merely imposing limits, regulation provides a path — a guide that establishes shared responsibilities and minimum levels of transparency and safety.
The meeting point: Trust
A company that prioritises only security may seem rigid. One that focuses solely on experience exposes itself to vulnerabilities. And one that ignores regulation risks losing legitimacy.
When security, experience and regulation are managed in balance, they generate an effect greater than the sum of their parts: trust. Trust from users, credibility before regulators, and the assurance that processes are reliable and transparent.
An example of this convergence can be seen in our success story with Banrural, which sought to offer the migrant community fast and secure access to digital financial services. By applying these three pillars in an integrated way through our technology, the bank strengthened client trust and encouraged the adoption of digital accounts — which now represent the bulk of its business.
Ultimately, it is worth emphasising that the convergence of security, experience and regulation is not a trend — it is the new standard of success and trust in the digital world.