Global cyberattacks have reached alarming levels, with average weekly attacks hitting a two-year high and an 8% year-over-year increase, according to Check Point Research. In response to this escalating threat landscape, international cybersecurity agencies—including CISA, NSA, and counterparts in the UK, Australia, Germany, and beyond are calling on technology providers to take greater ownership of security.
Instead of relying on customers to monitor, update, and damage control, these agencies advocate for a proactive approach: shifting the responsibility to technology providers. By embedding security into the design and development of their products, these providers can reduce risks to critical infrastructure and build trust in the technology consumers rely on daily.
To lead this shift, CISA and its global partners are championing Secure by Design and Secure by Default as essential principles for technology development:
This dual focus aims to dramatically reduce exploitable flaws, alleviating the security burden placed on consumers. Below, we explore the concept of Secure by Design, why it’s a necessity in today’s digital world, and how it can be effectively implemented.
Reactive security measures often come with high costs:
Secure by Design flips the script, focusing on prevention rather than remediation. Yogita Parulekar, founder and CEO of Invi Grid, explains: "What needs to happen is you need to bake security in when the code is written, when the infrastructure is built, when the system is designed. That is Secure by Design. For example, imagine placing a window near the door during house construction—it undermines the security of the lock on the door. Fixing this after the house is built is expensive and inefficient."
Secure by Design integrates security considerations into every stage of development.
Here are best practices to follow:
Automation is essential for embedding security into systems from the start, ensuring they are resilient and free of vulnerabilities before reaching production.
Some notable examples include:
Regular automated security checks throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC) address vulnerabilities early, saving time and costs later.
Adopting Secure by Design (SbD) principles requires a shift in mindset across the organisation. Leaders need to step up and embed it into the core of their business. This starts with making security a company-wide responsibility, not something that sits solely with IT.
Bridging silos and aligning teams behind a shared vision of security can transform resistance into cooperation. When security becomes second nature for everyone in the organisation, it’s easier to build products that are secure, resilient and trusted by users.
Implementing Secure by Design practices often begins with building the right team; professionals who can seamlessly integrate security into every stage of development and operations.
Hub-Scale specialises in connecting organisations with exceptional cybersecurity talent, from C-level leaders to skilled individual contributors. With expertise in understanding the unique needs of security-focused organisations, we help companies find the right people to drive innovation and resilience. Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership team or expand your technical capabilities, we’re here to support your journey toward a more secure future.
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