Design Principles

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of robust Application Security cannot be overstated. As organizations strive to protect their data and systems against an ever-growing array of threats, the principles of secure design play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring resilience. This document outlines key design principles that serve as the foundation for developing secure, compliant, and proactive applications. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can not only safeguard their assets but also foster a culture of security awareness and preparedness that resonates through every layer of their operations. From integrating security measures at the initial stages of development to adopting a forward-thinking approach towards potential threats, these principles aim to equip developers and security professionals with the strategies needed to build and maintain secure software ecosystems.

Design for Security

Overview

The Security design principle within the Application Security pillar emphasizes the importance of embedding security measures at various application development and operation levels. By prioritizing security as a foundational component rather than an afterthought, organizations can ensure the robust protection of their applications against a wide range of threats. This principle advocates for a holistic approach to security, integrating protective measures from the initial design and development stages to deployment and maintenance. The goal is to safeguard data integrity, confidentiality, and availability, to maintain trust with users and stakeholders. Implementing this principle helps organizations mitigate risks, comply with regulatory requirements, and prevent potential financial and reputational damage caused by security incidents.

Start

At the “Start” maturity level, organizations begin their journey towards comprehensive application security by embedding basic security measures into their development processes. This foundational step involves educating development teams on security best practices and incorporating security considerations into the initial design of applications. This stage is crucial for setting a positive direction for security culture within the organization, ensuring that every team member recognizes their role in protecting the application from threats. By starting with a strong security foundation, organizations can prevent many common vulnerabilities and prepare themselves for more advanced security challenges ahead.

Approach	Benefit
Incorporate security measures at every level of the application.	This protects the application from threats and ensures the integrity and confidentiality of data.
Establish secure coding guidelines.	Standardizes secure development practices across teams. Facilitates more accessible code review and audit processes. Reduces the likelihood of common security flaws in code.
Educate development teams on security best practices.	Creates a security-aware culture from the outset. Ensures security considerations are embedded in the earliest stages of application development. Reduces the likelihood of introducing vulnerabilities during development.
Continuously build skills through role-based security training.	Creates a highly skilled team capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring adequate security controls. Focuses on developing an understanding of security features relevant to the systems being built. Defends against adversaries through good design and effective operations.
Implement strong access controls.	Protects from unauthorized access, appropriately calibrating permissions and exposure. Least privilege ensures minimized risk of prohibited activities. Limits access time, reducing unauthorized activities even from trusted identities.

Mature

Organizations at this level have successfully integrated security measures throughout the application lifecycle. Security is now a continuous concern, with regular security assessments, code reviews, and vulnerability scans conducted to identify and remediate potential threats. Organizations have established a well-defined incident response plan at this level and begun employing more sophisticated security tools and methodologies. The mature stage is characterized by a proactive approach to security, where potential vulnerabilities are systematically addressed before they can be exploited. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on compliance with industry security standards and regulations, ensuring that the application meets and exceeds the required security benchmarks.

Approach	Benefit
Perform proactive security of source code throughout the SDLC.	Identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities before exploitation. Enhances application resilience against attacks.
Establish a well-defined incident response plan for source code.	Prepares the organization to respond effectively to security incidents related to sensitive data and crown jewel assets. Reduces downtime and operational impact of breaches. Enhances stakeholder confidence through demonstrated readiness.
Classify data based on sensitivity.	Right-sizes security measures, providing clarity in information protection strategy. Ensures agreement on confidentiality levels, streamlining security efforts.
Continuously protect against vulnerable components in the broader software supply chain.	Provides system security predictability, proactively remediating vulnerabilities. Understand the origin of software components to enhance software security in production. Blocks attackers from injecting software faults, protecting infrastructure and dependencies.
Maintain a comprehensive inventory.	Provides a holistic view against attackers, especially post-incident. Drives communication and upkeep of critical components. Automates the process of building a robust inventory that enables strategic security insight.
Regularly validate security mitigations.	Ensures security posture alignment with established baseline, focusing on high-priority remediations. Identifies gaps for continuous improvement, enforcing policies to maintain posture. Integrates enforcement to prevent violations and preserve the integrity of the application.

Advance

Advanced organizations exhibit a robust application security posture characterized by an innovative and adaptive approach to emerging security threats. Advanced predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies are leveraged to anticipate and neutralize threats before they manifest. Security is deeply integrated into the DevOps process, promoting a DevSecOps culture where security, development, and operations teams collaborate closely to enhance the application’s security. Organizations at this level also actively engage with the security community, participating in threat intelligence sharing and adopting cutting-edge security practices. The advanced stage reflects a commitment to excellence in application security, with ongoing efforts to refine and evolve security strategies in response to the rapidly changing threat landscape. Organizations operating at this level are protected against current threats and well-prepared to face future security challenges.

Approach	Benefit
Leverage advanced predictive analytics and AI in security detection and remediation.	Anticipates and neutralizes threats before they materialize. Improves security decision-making with data-driven insights. Enhances the efficiency of security operations through automation.
Codify security practices by automating security checks and integrating tools into the software development lifecycle.	Embeds security practices into the entire application lifecycle. Promotes closer collaboration between development, security, and operations teams. Ensures rapid deployment of secure applications.
Provide secure default configurations for systems, resources, and environments.	Minimizes the attack surface by assuming no entity within or outside the network is trusted.
Prioritize security controls on critical system components.	Focuses expertise on critical aspects, applying rigorous security where most needed. Regular detection exercises streamline risk mitigation efforts. Ensures critical components receive the highest level of security attention.

Design for Compliance

Overview

The Compliance design principle within the Application Security pillar highlights the critical importance of aligning application design and development with relevant regulations and standards. This principle asserts that adherence to compliance requirements is not just a legal obligation but a strategic advantage that safeguards the organization from potential legal and reputational risks. By proactively integrating compliance into the application lifecycle, organizations can ensure that their software products meet regulatory standards, reinforcing trust with users, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Implementing this principle helps navigate the complex landscape of legal requirements, industry standards, and best practices, ensuring that applications are secure and compliant throughout their development and operational phases.

Start

Organizations initiate their journey toward comprehensive application compliance by understanding and documenting the specific regulations and standards applicable to their projects. This foundational step involves mapping out compliance requirements and integrating compliance checks into the early stages of application design. Efforts are concentrated on building awareness within the development and security teams about the importance of compliance and the risks associated with non-compliance. Organizations at this stage begin to establish processes for regular compliance assessments and audits, setting the groundwork for a culture where compliance is viewed as an integral part of application security and development processes. This stage is crucial for identifying potential compliance gaps early and ensuring that subsequent development efforts are guided by the need to meet established regulatory standards.

Approach	Benefit
Ensure that the design meets all relevant regulations and standards.	This protects the organization from legal and reputational risks.
Document applicable regulations and standards.	Provides a clear roadmap for compliance alignment. Aids in risk assessment by identifying potential compliance gaps. Facilitates targeted compliance training for development and security teams.
Integrate compliance checks into early the software development lifecycle.	Ensures that compliance is considered from the outset of application development. Reduces the cost and effort of retrofitting compliance into later stages. Enhances the ability to design with privacy and security by default.
Establish processes for regular compliance assessments.	Creates a foundation for ongoing compliance monitoring. Enables early detection and remediation of compliance issues. Builds stakeholder confidence in the organization’s commitment to compliance.

Mature

Reaching the “Mature” stage signifies that an organization has successfully embedded compliance measures throughout the application development lifecycle. At this level, compliance is not just a checklist but a continuous responsibility that influences design decisions, coding practices, and deployment strategies. Organizations implement automated compliance monitoring tools to scan for deviations from required standards and regulations continuously. There is also a well-defined process for addressing and rectifying compliance issues as they are identified. The mature stage is characterized by a proactive approach to compliance, where the organization meets current regulatory requirements and stays informed about upcoming regulations and standards. This proactive stance enables the organization to swiftly adapt to new compliance demands, minimizing disruptions to development cycles and operational activities.

Approach	Benefit
Implement automated compliance monitoring tools.	Streamlines the continuous monitoring of compliance status. Minimizes human error in compliance assessments. Allows for real-time compliance issue detection and notification.
Develop a process for addressing compliance issues.	Ensures swift remediation of identified compliance gaps. Reduces potential legal and reputational risks associated with non-compliance. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in compliance practices.
Stay informed about upcoming regulations and standards.	Keeps the organization ahead of compliance requirements. Enables proactive adaptation to changing regulatory landscapes. Minimizes disruption to development and operational activities due to sudden compliance changes.

Advance

Advanced organizations consistently demonstrate an integrated and strategic approach to meeting and exceeding regulatory standards. Advanced data governance frameworks are employed to ensure that all data handling practices within the application adhere to the highest standards of privacy and security regulations. There is also a strong focus on training and empowering developers and security professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to innovate within the bounds of compliance requirements. At this advanced stage, compliance is deeply ingrained in the organization’s culture, driving adherence to regulations and fostering a competitive advantage through trust and reliability in the organization’s application offerings.

Approach	Benefit
Employ advanced data governance frameworks.	Ensures comprehensive data handling practices that exceed regulatory requirements. Strengthens privacy and security postures. Builds trust with users and stakeholders through transparent data practices.
Engage with regulatory bodies and industry forums.	Contributes to the shaping of future standards and regulations. Gains early insights into regulatory changes, facilitating strategic planning. Enhances the organization’s reputation as a leader in compliance and security.

Design for Proactivity

Overview

The Proactivity design principle within the Application Security pillar emphasizes anticipating and mitigating security threats before they escalate into breaches. This principle advocates for a forward-thinking approach where security measures and risk management are integrated into every stage of the application development lifecycle. By prioritizing proactivity and embracing the concept of “shifting-left”, organizations can enhance their security posture, safeguard their assets and user data, and maintain trust with stakeholders by creating products that are secure by design. Implementing proactive security practices involves continuous monitoring, threat assessment, and adopting emerging security technologies and methodologies.

Start

Organizations should start by embarking on the journey to integrate proactive security measures into their development and operational processes. This phase is characterized by establishing a foundational understanding of proactivity as a critical component of application security. Organizations begin by conducting initial risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and understand the threat landscape specific to their systems and applications. Initial efforts are focused on embedding a proactive mindset, where anticipation of and preparation for security threats become second nature. This stage sets the groundwork for a culture where proactive security practices are valued and pursued.

Approach	Benefit
Establish a clear, secure software development policy.	Provides a documented standard for security practices and expectations. Serves as a foundation for security training and awareness programs. Enhances compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
Encourage a culture of adopting secure coding practices from the start.	Reduces the number of vulnerabilities in code and applications. Facilitates easier and less costly remediations. Improves software quality and reliability.
Integrate source code vulnerabilities and findings into an enterprise vulnerability reporting and management system.	Encourages internal and external stakeholders to report potential security issues. Accelerates the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
Implement proactive measures to identify and mitigate security risks before they become issues.	This reduces the likelihood of security breaches and the potential damage they can cause.

Mature

Reaching the Mature stage signifies that an organization has successfully integrated the Proactivity design principle into its core operations. Security practices are no longer reactive but are characterized by regular, planned actions to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. This includes the implementation of regular security audits, penetration testing, and developing a comprehensive security incident response plan. The practices adopted during the Start phase have evolved, leading to a more sophisticated approach to proactivity. Teams now routinely engage in activities anticipating security issues, with mechanisms in place to quickly adapt and respond to new threats. There’s a notable shift towards a more engrained security culture, where proactive practices are a standard part of the development lifecycle. This maturity stage is defined by an organization’s ability to anticipate and mitigate immediate threats and plan for long-term security objectives and challenges.

Approach	Benefit
Develop a security incident response plan that is relevant for development teams.	Prepares the organization to respond swiftly and effectively to security incidents, minimizing potential damage. Reduces downtime and operational disruptions.
Implement a security champion program.	Empowers specific team members to take on security leadership roles within their teams. Enhances the integration of security into development processes. Bolsters the organization’s ability to quickly address and remediate flagged security issues. Raises the overall security knowledge within development teams.
Regularly review, update, and communicate secure software policies and procedures.	Ensures that security practices remain effective and relevant over time. Encourages adaptability to new threats and technologies. Reinforces a culture of continuous improvement and diligence.

Advance

Advanced organizations demonstrate a sophisticated and forward-thinking security posture. Proactivity is deeply ingrained in the organization’s identity, with senior leadership actively promoting and participating in security education efforts. Advanced predictive analytics and AI technologies mark this stage, enabling the organization to identify emerging threats with greater accuracy and speed. A culture of security innovation and continuous learning pervades, with teams encouraged to explore and implement cutting-edge security solutions. Continuous evaluation and evolution of security practices ensure that the organization remains agile ready to adapt to new challenges and technologies. This advanced stage reflects a commitment to maintaining and continuously advancing the organization’s security posture, setting a standard for excellence in application security.

Approach	Benefit
Leverage advanced predictive analytics and AI.	Enables the organization to avoid threats by predicting and mitigating them before they materialize. Personalizes security training by identifying areas where individuals may require additional support. Optimizes security resource allocation by focusing on the most likely and impactful threats.
Foster external and internal security research.	Encourages innovation and the discovery of new security vulnerabilities and threats. Strengthens the security community through shared knowledge and collaboration.
Integrate zero-trust security practices within the platform.	Minimizes the attack surface by assuming no entity within or outside the network is trusted. Facilitates strict access control and identity verification, reducing the risk of insider threats.

Design for Awareness

Overview

In the realm of application development, security cannot be an afterthought. The Awareness design principle underlines the significance of integrating security awareness deeply into the organizational culture and development lifecycle. This principle advocates for an approach where security considerations are not just checkboxes but are integral to the development process, fostering a proactive security posture. By embedding security awareness from the outset and “shifting-left”, organizations can mitigate risks, protect assets, and foster trust among users and stakeholders. Tools, practices, and policies that enhance security awareness are crucial for realizing this principle.

Start

Organizations should begin by laying the foundational blocks of a security-centric culture. This involves initiating security awareness as a core component of the development lifecycle by enforcing policies and following industry standards to ensure that every team member understands the significance of security from their first day. Organizations at this stage work to identify the current level of security knowledge among their teams, pinpointing areas where awareness is lacking and establishing a baseline for growth. Implementing various educational tools and methods—such as workshops, e-learning courses, and security challenges—helps cater to diverse learning preferences and emphasizes the importance of security in every project. This foundational step is crucial for building a robust framework where security is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of all development activities.

Approach	Benefit
Assess current security awareness level.	Identifies knowledge gaps and informs the development of targeted training programs. Fosters a baseline for measuring progress in security awareness over time.
Integrate security awareness into new employee onboarding.	Ensures all team members are introduced to security practices and responsibilities from day one. Reinforces security as a core value and expectation within the organization’s culture. Accelerates the new employee’s ability to contribute to the organization’s security posture.
Develop an internal repository of security resources.	Provides easy access to up-to-date security guidelines, best practices, and contact information for security concerns. Serves as a centralized knowledge hub, supporting consistent security practices across teams.
Implement a diverse set of training formats.	Accommodates different learning styles, increasing the effectiveness of security awareness efforts. Encourages ongoing engagement with security topics through varied and refreshing content. Facilitates asynchronous learning, allowing team members to engage with security training at their own pace.
Foster a culture of security awareness within the team.	This ensures that all team members are vigilant about security, reducing the risk of human error leading to security issues.

Mature

As organizations mature in applying the Awareness design principle, security awareness is no longer a separate endeavor but an integrated part of every project and process. Regular security drills become routine at this level, allowing teams to practice and refine their response to real-world threats. Sharing insights from these exercises and lessons learned from actual incidents reinforces the practical application of security awareness in daily operations. Recognition and reward systems are implemented to celebrate proactive security behaviors, further embedding a sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining security standards. Security awareness is a dynamic part of the organizational culture at this stage, continuously evolving with each project and interaction.

Approach	Benefit
Share updates on recent security incidents via internal channels.	Keeps the team informed about current threats and reinforces the importance of vigilance. Promotes an open culture of learning from mistakes and successes within and outside the organization. Encourages proactive behavior by demonstrating real-world consequences of security incidents.
Recognize and reward proactive security behaviors.	Motivates employees to maintain and improve their vigilance and proactive security behaviors. Builds a positive security culture by highlighting and celebrating contributions to security. Encourages peer-to-peer learning and sharing of best practices in security.

Advance

Organizations should demonstrate a sophisticated and proactive security posture permeating every operation level. Security awareness is championed by senior leadership and is recognized as a critical component of the organization’s identity. Advanced technologies, like AI and machine learning, are leveraged to personalize training and ensure that it is as effective and efficient as possible, focusing on the specific needs of individual team members. Collaboration with external bodies broadens the scope of security awareness, incorporating global insights and best practices into the organization’s strategy. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of security awareness programs ensure that the organization keeps pace with and stays ahead of emerging security threats and trends. At this advanced stage, an organization’s commitment to security awareness is evident in its ability to anticipate security challenges and respond with agility and confidence.

Approach	Benefit
Involve senior leadership in security education.	Strengthens organizational commitment to security from the top down. Enhances the visibility and importance of security within the organization. Encourages a unified approach to security, aligning all levels of the organization towards common objectives.
Collaborate with external entities on security best practices.	Enhances the organization’s security culture through external insights. Contributes to the improvement of the broader security community’s posture. Facilitates the sharing and adoption of innovative security practices and solutions.
Continuously evaluate and evolve security awareness programs.	Ensures the organization’s security awareness efforts remain current and effective against evolving threats. Promotes a proactive stance on security incident prevention by learning from past occurrences. Fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation among team members.

Keep it Simple

Overview

Keeping it simple in application security is crucial for any organization. Organizations can effectively protect their applications from potential threats by implementing clear and straightforward security measures that are easy to understand and manage. Simplifying application security starts with developing a comprehensive security policy that outlines basic rules and guidelines for developers and users. This policy should prioritize essential security practices, regularly identifying and resolving vulnerabilities, and performing regular security audits. Additionally, organizations should streamline access controls, granting only the necessary permissions to users and limiting administrative privileges. Organizations can minimize complexity and confusion by keeping the application security measures simple, making it easier for employees to adhere to the established security protocols.

Approach	Benefit
Implement clear and straightforward security measures that are easy to understand and manage.	Reduces the risk of security mistakes due to misunderstanding or misconfiguration. Avoid overengineering security controls that could lead to unnecessary complexity and potential vulnerabilities.
Emphasize the use of secure coding practices.	Significantly reduces the risk of common vulnerabilities. Ensures that applications have strong defenses against potential attacks. Saves organizations from the costly expenses of fixing security flaws. Helps organizations meet compliance requirements.
Build in security processes early in the software development lifecycle.	Helps identify weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the application early on. Improves the organization’s overall security posture, reducing the risk of potential breaches. Provides feedback on the effectiveness of existing security measures, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and improve their security solutions continuously.
Implement a robust monitoring system.	Allows for real-time monitoring of application activity, enabling the detection of anomalies. Provides valuable insights into user activities, system events, and potential security incidents. Tracks application performance and ensures reliability.
Conduct regular security training sessions and awareness programs.	Helps educate developers on the latest security threats, attack vectors, and best practices. Fosters a culture of security, leading to better adherence to security protocols and policies. Helps developers recognize and mitigate potential risks and avoid common mistakes that often lead to security breaches. Increases the likelihood that developers know how to respond effectively during a security incident.

Quick links Checklist for Application Security