"Secure by Design" Cybersecurity Practices | What They Are, and Why They Matter

Cybersecurity has become a critical foundation upon which many aspects of business rely. Network security is crucial whether you're a large enterprise or small business because cyberattacks can have long-term consequences.The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase. In 2022, Internet of Things (IoT) Malware attacks saw a sobering 87% increase. Attack volume is also ramping up due to the use of AI.It's essential to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity approach. As this need has grown, "Secure by Design" practices have become more prominent.For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has built effective cybersecurity procedures for hundreds of clients. It is passionate about using strategy and education to protect its clients.By reading this article, you will learn what it takes to implement Secure by Design principles and why they are paramount in today's cybersecurity landscape.

Today's Modern Cyberthreats

Cybersecurity threats have evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when just installing an antivirus could protect your computer. Today, cybercriminals use highly sophisticated tactics. The potential impact of an attack goes far beyond the inconvenience of a virus.Modern cyber threats encompass a wide range of attacks, including:

1. Ransomware: Malware that encrypts your data and demands a costly ransom for decryption.
2. Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages that trick you into revealing sensitive information.
3. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Long-term cyberattacks aimed at stealing sensitive data.
4. Zero-Day Exploits: Attacks that target vulnerabilities not yet known to software developers.
5. IoT Vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices to compromise networks.

These evolving threats underscore the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Instead of reacting to attacks after they occur, you want to prevent them from happening.

What Is Secure by Design?

Secure by Design is a modern cybersecurity approach. It integrates security measures into the very foundation of a system, app, or device.How can businesses of all types translate this into their cybersecurity strategies? There are two key ways:

1. When purchasing hardware or software, ask about Secure by Design. Does the supplier use these practices? If not, you may want to consider a different vendor.
2. Incorporate Secure by Design principles into your business, such as when planning an infrastructure upgrade or customer service enhancement. Put cybersecurity at the center instead of adding it as an afterthought.

Fundamental principles of Secure by Design include:

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential security risks and vulnerabilities early in the design phase.
2. Standard Framework: Maintain consistency when applying security standards by following a framework, such as CIS Critical Security Controls, HIPAA, or GDPR.
3. Least Privilege: Limiting access to resources to only those who need it for their roles.
4. Defense in Depth: Implementing many layers of security to protect against various threats.
5. Regular Updates: Ensuring that security measures are continuously updated to address new threats.
6. User Education: Educating users about security best practices and potential risks.

Why Secure by Design Matters

Understanding and implementing Secure by Design practices is crucial for several reasons.

Proactive Security

Traditional cybersecurity approaches are often reactive. This means they address security issues after they've occurred. Secure by Design builds security measures into the very foundation of a system. This minimizes vulnerabilities from the start.

Cost Savings

Addressing security issues after a system is in production or near the end of a project can be costly. By integrating security from the beginning, you can avoid these extra expenses.

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements for data protection and cybersecurity. Secure by Design practices can help you meet these compliance standards more effectively. It reduces the risk of unknowns that accrue fines and penalties.

Reputation Management

A security breach can severely damage your organization's reputation. Implementing Secure by Design practices demonstrates your commitment to protecting user data. It can also enhance trust among customers and stakeholders.

Future-Proofing

Cyber threats continue to evolve. Secure by Design practices help ensure that your systems and applications remain resilient. Especially against emerging threats.

Minimizing Attack Surfaces

Secure by Design focuses on reducing the attack surface of your systems. Using it helps in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. You mitigate threats before a hacker exploits them.

Next Steps for Implementing Secure by Design Practices

As cybersecurity threats grow, security practices must evolve with them. Secure by Design security practices seek to build a proactive, preventative security foundation to protect IT systems and businesses.Secure by Design practices include:

1. Regular risk assessments
2. Following an established security framework
3. Practicing least privilege access
4. Using defense in depth security practices
5. Apply software and security updates
6. Engaging in regular and effective employee IT security training

With these in place, businesses reduce their risk of cyberattacks, preserve their reputation, reduce the cost of reactive practices or recovering from an attack, and remain within IT compliance standards.Every business has unique needs, budgets, and risks. A trusted IT provider or team can help you navigate and select the best for your organization.If your IT provider is unwilling to discuss or perform quarterly risk assessments, this can be a red flag that something in the partnership is not quite right.WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients in the greater Chicago area create effective cybersecurity procedures.If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT can help.If you aren't ready to make a commitment but would like to learn more about cybersecurity, we recommend the following articles:

• What is defense-in-depth security?
• Can IT Providers Create Zero IT Risks?
• Cybersecurity Risk Levels: Where do you draw the line?