• Defining user needs: The user representative articulates the needs of all user groups, including direct users, indirect users (e.g., network operations), and those involved in maintenance or support.
• Representing user perspectives: They advocate for the user perspective throughout the cybersecurity lifecycle, ensuring that security controls don’t hinder usability or operational efficiency.
• Monitoring and evaluating security measures: They monitor the effectiveness of security controls and provide feedback on how they impact user experience and operations.
• Facilitating communication: They act as a bridge between security professionals and the user community, ensuring clear communication about security policies, procedures, and potential risks.
• Promoting security awareness: In some cases, user representatives can also play a role in promoting security awareness among their colleagues, acting as a trusted point of contact for security-related information. 

A process operator, who understands the operational processes and potential risks, can act as a user representative to ensure that cybersecurity measures are compatible with safe and reliable operations. 

A “security ambassador” or “security champion” can be a user representative who helps promote security awareness and best practices within their team or department. 

• Improved usability and user adoption: When user needs are considered, security measures are more likely to be accepted and used effectively by users.
• Reduced security risks: User representatives can help identify potential security vulnerabilities that might be overlooked by security professionals who don’t have direct experience with the system’s operation.
• Enhanced security culture: By involving users in the security process, a more positive and collaborative security culture can be fostered.
• Better alignment with business needs: User representatives help ensure that security measures support the overall business objectives and operational goals.