63. Building a Robust Security Architecture

Lesson Introduction

Whether you’re safeguarding individual online assets or protecting an entire corporate network, a robust security architecture is vital. This lesson will delve into various components of building and maintaining a rock-solid security architecture, undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects in the field of cybersecurity.

Understanding Security Architecture

In simplest terms, security architecture is the design artefact that describes how the security controls (security countermeasures) are positioned and how they relate to the overall information technology architecture. These controls serve the purpose to maintain the system’s quality attributes, among them confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability and assurance ^[1].

Sectors of Security Architecture

In building a robust security infrastructure, several domains come into play. They include application security, data security, network security, physical security, host security, and operational security ^[2].

Designing a Robust Security Architecture

1. Identify the Organisation’s Assets

Identifying the organisation’s assets is the initial, crucial step in building a security architecture. These assets include components like hardware, data, software applications, user identities, and so forth. Once these assets are noted, each should be assessed based on its vulnerability to potential threats.

2. Development of Systems Architecture

This involves the creation of a roadmap or blueprint for the security architecture. A clear, thorough overview of the systems architecture helps to plan and implement steps needed to safeguard the company’s sensitive data. This step may involve a combination of existing system modifications and creating new elements to accommodate security controls.

3. Selection of Security Controls

These controls are the hardware, software, and technical features used in an information system to protect it from security threats. They can be preventive or detective. Examples include firewalls, encryption algorithms, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), antivirus software, and so forth ^[3].

Adherence to Frameworks and Standards

Several security and control frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, COBIT, NIST, and CIS can guide an organisation looking to build a robust security architecture ^[4]. These frameworks provide globally recognised, industry-vetted processes and best practices that aid in self-assessments, audits, and setting up multiple security layers.

Implementing a Security Architecture

Once a robust security architecture has been designed, the next step is implementation. This phase involves the incorporation of various security controls in the identified domains to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information.

Testing of Security Architecture

Any implemented security architecture must be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets its intended objectives. Regular testing helps identify hidden vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.

Maintenance and Periodic Review

Like all technological domains, cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, and as such, a security architecture requires regular assessments and updates to keep it in line with emerging trends and threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the construction of robust security architecture demands a significant amount of planning, implementation and continual review. Nevertheless, it’s a mandatory undertaking for any organisation that’s serious about preventing the frequent, devastating cyber-attacks.

References

1. L. Kissel,“Introduction to Security Architecture,”NIST,2013,https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2013/01/introduction-security-architecture

2. M.Chiudinelli, “The Domains of Information Security,”2018,https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-application-security

3. ISO/IEC,“Information technology — Security techniques — Information security risk management,”ISO/IEC,2018,https://www.iso.org/standard/75281.html

4. ISACA,“Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT),”2021,https://www.isaca.org/resources/cobit

Any professional working on building a robust security architecture should maintain a strong foundation in key security principles and protocols, but continuously stay updated with the latest threat vectors and security evasion techniques used by modern cyber attackers.