What does "security by design" entail?

The concept of "security by design" involves integrating security measures from the very beginning of a project, rather than adding them after development or during implementation. This proactive approach ensures that security considerations are embedded in the design and architecture of a system, making it more resilient to potential threats and vulnerabilities.

By adopting security by design, organizations can identify potential security risks at an early stage and employ suitable controls to mitigate them. This mindset promotes a culture where security is a foundational aspect of development rather than an afterthought, resulting in systems that are inherently more secure and reducing the likelihood of costly security breaches later on.

In contrast, other approaches, like implementing security measures post-deployment, could leave systems vulnerable during key phases of development and operational use. Additionally, a narrow focus on compliance checks does not encapsulate the broader goal of securing the entire system architecture against evolving threats. Similarly, while external security auditors can provide valuable insights, relying solely on them does not replace the need for intrinsic security measures embedded in the design phase of a project.