Secure Design

Secure Design: Designing systems so security requirementsSecurity RequirementA mandatory condition that a system, process, or control must satisfy for security purposes. and trust boundaries are addressed before implementationImplementationThe practical realization of a security design, requirement, or control in a system or process.. It should be integrated into design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance activities.

How it works and where it fits

Secure Design places security within the lifecycle of software and technical change. Requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance affect one another. The earlier a weakness or unsafe assumption is identified, the more precisely it can be corrected without relying solely on downstream security products.

Practical security relevance

Practical implementation requires explicit quality criteria, reviewable changes, and a traceable supply chain. Automated checks provide rapid feedback but do not replace threat modeling or manual analysis of security-critical logic. Dependencies, build systems, artifacts, and secrets need protection alongside source code; operational and incident findings feed back into development.

Related concepts

• Security ArchitectureSecurity ArchitectureThe structured design of security controls, trust boundaries, data flows, and operational responsibilities.: The structured design of security controls, trust boundaries, data flows, and operational responsibilities.
• Threat ModelingThreat ModelingAnalyzes potential attackers, attack vectors, and protective measures during the design phase.: Analyzes potential attackers, attack vectors, and protective measures during the design phase.
• Privacy by DesignPrivacy by DesignPrinciple of incorporating data protection requirements into systems and processes from the outset.: Principle of incorporating data protection requirements into systems and processes from the outset.
• Secure Development LifecycleSecure Development LifecycleIntegrates security activities into all phases of software development.: Integrates security activities into all phases of software development.