Secure by Design refers to a cybersecurity principle that emphasizes incorporating security measures at the earliest stages of development, rather than as an afterthought. This approach ensures that security is a foundational aspect of the system’s architecture, minimizing vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of exploitation. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and several international partners provide formalized Secure by Design guidelines in 2023, urging manufacturers to prioritize security as a core business requirement.
Secure-by-design practices include threat modeling, code reviews, automated security testing, and secure coding standards. Organizations following this methodology may also employ techniques like least privilege access, strong authentication, and encryption to protect sensitive data. Adopting a secure-by-design approach helps businesses comply with industry regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. Applying these principles can help organizations mitigate risks associated with zero-day vulnerabilities and supply chain attacks. By embedding security into the development lifecycle, organizations can enhance resilience against cyber threats, while reducing the cost and complexity of fixing security flaws later.
Learn more about how Quokka’s Q-mast automates mobile app security testing and aligns with Secure by Design principles.
