Security by design is not new. But it has recently gotten a lot of attention because it was codified in GDPR; GDPR refers to it as Data Protection by Design and Default.

So, what exactly is security by design? Essentially, it's the idea that security should be integrated into every aspect of the design and development process for a product, system, or service. Instead of being an afterthought, security should be a fundamental consideration from the very beginning of any project.

Think about it this way: if you're building a house, you wouldn't just add a security system after the fact, right? You'd make sure that the design of the house incorporates security features, like reinforced doors and windows, from the start. The same concept applies to technology and information systems.

The reason security by design is so important is that it helps to prevent security vulnerabilities from being built into a system in the first place. It also mitigates risk before it happens. If security is considered during the design and development process, it's much less likely that a vulnerability or risk will be overlooked or ignored. This not only makes the system more secure, but it also makes it easier and less expensive to fix any security issues that do arise.

So, how do you actually implement security by design? Well, there are a few key principles to keep in mind:

1. Make security a priority: This might seem obvious, but it's important to make security a key consideration throughout the entire development process. This means that security should be considered when making decisions about the architecture, design, and implementation of a system.
2. Build a security culture: Security needs to be communicated as a priority at all levels of the company. This ensures all employees are thinking about security, what we call having a security mindset.
3. Involve security experts: It's important to have security experts involved in the design process, so they can identify potential security vulnerabilities and help to design solutions to prevent them. This could mean having a dedicated security team or consulting with a security expert on an as-needed basis.
4. Use secure coding practices: Secure coding practices are essential for preventing security vulnerabilities. This includes following best practices for coding, testing, and validating code, as well as implementing secure coding standards and guidelines.
5. Consider security at all levels: Security by design isn't just about the code. It's also about considering security at all levels, from the physical design of a device to the security of the networks and servers it interacts with. This helps to ensure that security is integrated into every aspect of the system, not just the code.
6. Continuously monitor and improve: Finally, it's important to continuously monitor and improve the security of a system. This could mean conducting regular security audits, monitoring logs, and event data, or conducting penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

So, why is security by design so important? Well, there are a few reasons:

1. Prevent security vulnerabilities: By integrating security into the design and development process, you can help to prevent security vulnerabilities from being built into a system in the first place.
2. Improve overall security posture: By considering security at all levels and involving security experts, you can help to improve the overall security posture of a system.
3. Save time and money: By fixing security vulnerabilities during the design and development process, you can save time and money in the long run by avoiding the need to fix security issues after the fact.

Security by design is a crucial concept in the world of information security. And, increasingly it is required by different regulatory frameworks. By incorporating security into every aspect of the design and development process, organizations can help to prevent security vulnerabilities, improve their overall security posture, and save time and money in the long run. So, if you're involved in the design and development of information systems, make sure you keep security by design in mind!

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