How can you create a security architecture repository?

To create a security architecture repository, study the current state, defining scope, objectives, budget, and business goals. Design a repository structure and taxonomy. Select a cloud-native repository tool and platform. Implement proper access controls and policies. Load the repository with security artifacts and establish regular maintenance and updates. Integrate version control practices and automatically deactivate outdated artifacts. Restrict usage to the newest versions based on evaluations of the evolving threat landscape. If on AWS; leverage Code Commit for version control, S3 for storage, IAM for access control, and Lambda for automation and updates.

1. Define Scope 2. Select Repository 3. Create Categories 4. Develop Templates 5. Gather Artifacts: 6. Review and Update 7. Access Control 8. Metadata Tagging 9. Version Control 10. Training

Creating a security architecture repository involves several steps. First, identify the types of documents and artifacts to include, such as security policies, standards, guidelines, diagrams, and risk assessments. Next, establish a structure for organizing these documents, such as by domain (network, application, data), technology (firewalls, encryption), or compliance framework (ISO 27001, NIST). Implement version control and access control mechanisms to manage changes and restrict access to authorized personnel. Use a secure and accessible platform for storing documents, such as a document management system or a dedicated repository tool. Regularly update and maintain the repository to ensure accuracy and relevance.

To assess current state of architecture need to be compared with what the organization (or management) need to achieve finally (particular certificate / attestation/ reduce risk etc)

Define clear objectives for your security architecture, aligning with business goals and compliance requirements. Use Azure Blueprints to create repeatable sets of Azure resources that implement and adhere to standards, patterns, and requirements.

Repository Structure & Taxonomy Organize your security artifacts using Azure DevOps for version control and collaboration. Structure your repositories with a clear taxonomy using features like Azure Repos and Azure Artifacts.

Select Tool & Platform Choose Azure DevOps for its integrated suite of tools that support planning, collaboration, and governance across the entire software development lifecycle, including security artifact management.

Populate Repository Start by adding essential security artifacts like policies, threat models, and security baselines. Use GitHub for storing and managing these artifacts, leveraging its robust version control and collaboration features.

Regular Maintenance Regularly review and update your security artifacts. Implement a governance process with Azure Policy to enforce and validate compliance with your security standards.

My view is, identify a secured place(Git, Confluence Page or similar) with access to limited people(Security Team and a 1-2 from development team) and have it there. Architecture document to be updated on every PI or release interval to make sure it is latest and greatest document to refer when in need. Hence this secured place becomes single source of truth for all future references.

Creating a security architecture repository involves several key steps. First, identify the types of security architecture artifacts you want to include, such as diagrams, policies, standards, and guidelines. Next, establish a repository structure and naming conventions for organizing these artifacts. Then, select a suitable repository platform or tool, such as a document management system or a version control system like Git. Populate the repository with existing artifacts and ensure they are properly documented and version-controlled. Implement access controls to restrict who can view, edit, and delete artifacts.

I believe the challenge is not the lack of organized security architecture information in a centrally accessible place like Confluence or internal Wiki but the last mile delivery i.e. how this information is put in the practice across the Organization to ensure that Org-specific patterns are being followed. For example, despite having security patterns for let's say input validation or output encoding or an internal library published for the purpose, it's not uncommon to find a large number of Developers not using any or use their own unverified implementations.

Additional Considerations Ensure that your security architecture is flexible to adapt to evolving threats. Integrate security into your CI/CD pipeline using Azure Security Center and GitHub Actions for continuous security validation.