How do you develop a secure system?

1 Identify the requirements

The first step to develop a secure system is to identify the requirements and expectations of the system, such as the functions, features, performance, users, data, and environment. You should also consider the potential threats and risks that the system may face, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, denial-of-service attacks, or natural disasters. Based on the requirements and risks, you should define the security objectives and policies for the system, such as the level of encryption, authentication, authorization, backup, and audit.

2 Design the architecture

The next step is to design the architecture of the system, which includes the components, interfaces, protocols, and data flows. You should follow the principle of least privilege, which means that each component and user should have the minimum access and permissions necessary to perform their tasks. You should also apply the principle of defense in depth, which means that you should use multiple layers of security controls to protect the system from different angles. For example, you can use firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and VPNs to secure the network, data, and communication.

3 Implement the code

The third step is to implement the code of the system, which involves writing, testing, and debugging the software. You should follow the secure coding practices and standards, such as avoiding common vulnerabilities, validating inputs, sanitizing outputs, and using secure libraries and frameworks. You should also use tools and techniques to check and improve the quality and security of the code, such as code reviews, static analysis, dynamic analysis, and penetration testing.

4 Deploy the system

The fourth step is to deploy the system to the target environment, which may be a physical or virtual server, a cloud platform, or a hybrid solution. You should ensure that the environment is properly configured and secured, such as by updating the operating system and applications, disabling unnecessary services and ports, and enforcing strong passwords and access controls. You should also test the system in the environment to verify its functionality and security, as well as to identify and resolve any issues or bugs.

5 Monitor the system

The fifth step is to monitor the system regularly and continuously, which involves collecting and analyzing the data and logs from the system, such as the performance, usage, errors, and security events. You should use tools and methods to automate and simplify the monitoring process, such as dashboards, alerts, and reports. You should also use metrics and indicators to measure and evaluate the system's security posture and compliance, such as the number of incidents, vulnerabilities, and patches.

6 Update the system

The final step is to update the system periodically and proactively, which involves applying the latest patches and fixes to the system, as well as adding new features or enhancements. You should follow the change management process and procedures, such as documenting, testing, and approving the changes, as well as communicating and training the users and stakeholders. You should also review and revise the security objectives and policies of the system, as well as the architecture and code, to adapt to the changing needs and threats.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?