Security by Design

Embedding Security from Concept in Connected Software Systems

In today’s hyper-connected ecosystem, software systems power next-gen technologies and innovation. However, as these developments rapidly advance, networks and applications become more complex, expanding their attack surface, making traditional, add-on security measures insufficient.

Security by Design ensures that protection is built in from the foundation of development. It follows a principal framework that highlights the importance of security integration since conceptualization, architecture, and design, instead of patching vulnerabilities post deployment.

We at Diconium, are focused of integrating Security by Design as a foundational capability in every software security solution. Our experts embed secure measures into every layer of Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSLDC), creating infrastructures that are resilient, scalable, and compliant.

Our Approach to Integrate a Secure Software Design

Our approach to implement security by design principles uses a structured approach integrated as an intrinsic part of the secure software development life cycle (SSDLC). The integration process follows a simplified step by step procedure:

Requirements & Asset Definition: Understanding functional requirements and identify critical assets, interfaces, and data flows.
Threat Modelling & Attack Surface Analysis: Developing misuse cases, attacker profiles, and risk maps to guide targeted security measures.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation Planning: Executing structured TARA assessments and linking risks to actionable mitigation strategies.
Security Concept & Architecture Development: Designing secure communication flows, cryptographic key usage, and HSM/TPM integration strategies for embedded systems.
Integration into Development & Validation: Embedding SSDLC practices, automated testing (SAST/DAST), and CI/CD integration.

Benefits of Implementing Secure by Design Principles

Developed to comply with the NIST Cybersecurity framework, Security by Design principles safeguard connected software infrastructure, offer strategic advantages ensuring protection against cyber vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive Threat Modelling & Risk Analysis

Provides early visibility into potential vulnerabilities through methodologies like HEAVENS and EVITA, enabling targeted controls for every asset, interface, and data flow.

Secure Architecture

Delivers ECU-level, zonal, and cloud-edge designs that ensure compliance with NIST CSF, OWASP SAMM, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/SAE 21434, and UNECE WP.29.

Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)

Reduced Attack Surface

Why diconium?

With decades of combined expertise in secure software design, cyber forensics, and connected system architecture, Diconium delivers Security by Design as a foundational capability in every project. Our multidisciplinary teams of cybersecurity architects, embedded engineers, and compliance specialists work hand in hand delivering secure solutions.

Why Businesses Must Adopt Secure by Design Principles

With the growing attack surface and increasingly complex vehicle networks, software infrastructure has become highly vulnerable to foreign interference. This exposure demands a proactive approach to software security.

Adopting the principles of security design and integrating security requirements from the outset, organizations can reduce risks, avoid costly rework, and ensure compliance. This approach not only helps in safeguarding operational integrity but also strengthens long-term resilience.

FAQ

What is Security by Design in software development?

Security by Design is the principle of embedding security requirements, risk controls, and compliance measures from the earliest stages of the secure software development life cycle (SSDLC). For instance, rather than implementing encryption after the system is built, following the secure by design principle it should be integrated into the architecture from the outset.

How does Security by Design improve software cybersecurity?

The incorporation of Security by Design frameworks focuses on implementing practices like threat modelling, secure architecture, and proactive risk mitigation early in development. This diverse combination of measures helps in reducing vulnerabilities, minimizes the attack surface, and ensures compliance with standard frameworks.

Can Security by Design be applied across industries, not just automotive?

Yes. While widely adopted in automotive and embedded systems, Security by Design principles apply to any connected software system.

What role do SAST and DAST play in Security by Design?

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) are integrated into the SSDLC to identify vulnerabilities in code and application behaviour early, that helps ensure continuous security assurance throughout development.