Security Architecture: What Is It & What Are the Benefits?

It is undeniable that organizations require robust security measures against cyber threats. A cyber-breach can result in huge expenses to your organization. This is where a strong security architecture comes in so that it can reduce these cyber security threats and the expenses that might result from them.

However, when talking about security architectures, what immediately comes to mind are security tools and applications. These include firewalls, antivirus software, antimalware programs, and the like. But security architecture is the sum of all those things and more.

“Security architecture” is the term used to define the overall system required to protect an organization’s IT infrastructure. Such a system includes the specifications, processes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) involved in preventing, mitigating, and investigating different threats.

Just as a building’s architectural design instructs engineers how to build a structure, a security architecture defines how personnel should carry out security processes.

What is Security Architecture?

Security architecture is a unified security design that addresses the necessities and potential risks involved in a certain scenario or environment. It also specifies when and where to apply security controls. The design process is generally reproducible.

A security architecture is a set of models, methods, and security principles that align with your objectives, keeping your organization safe from cyber threats. Through security architecture, a business’ requirements are translated to executable security requirements. Just like architecture in construction where there is an examination of the property in such factors as climate, soil type, topography, and client preference, so must a security architect understand the network, firewalls, defenses, detection systems, and many other factors.

In security architecture, the design principles are reported clearly, and in-depth security control specifications are generally documented in independent documents. A system architecture can be considered a design that includes a structure and addresses the connection between the components of that structure.

Types of Security Services

A security service is a processing or communication service that improves the security of the data processing systems by protecting the flow of information. These services include authentication, access control, data confidentiality, data integrity, nonrepudiation, and availability.

Authentication verifies that the user attempting to access a system is who he claims to be. This may be accomplished through a combination of passwords, usernames, tokens, biometrics, and so on.
Access control restricts access to a system or information to authorized individuals. It may be based on user credentials, user location, user roles, or other criteria.
Data confidentiality maintains the privacy of information while it is being transmitted. This is usually accomplished by encryption, using secure file-sharing software, implementing confidentiality policies, and/or more.
Data integrity ensures that data are not altered or modified in transit or storage. Additionally, it ensures that the data received by the receiver is from a trusted source.
Non-repudiation prevents users from denying that they sent or received a specific message.

The above-mentioned services are critical to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of important enterprise data.

What does a Security Architecture Look Like?

A typical security architecture tackles the following areas:

Security protocols

A security architecture defines in detail the tools and processes used in threat detection and prevention, as well as those used in incident response (the set of instructions that guides IT professionals in dealing with security breaches) and disaster recovery (a detailed plan that allows business processes to resume or continue despite a security incident).

For instance, the security architecture might include specific requirements that security software vendors need to fulfill to win a bid. Incident response refers to

Account creation and management

The security architecture also includes a guide detailing user account creation, what access to grant to the particular user, and what restrictions to impose. A security architecture must protect the whole IT infrastructure. As such, it should detail who can access sensitive data and who cannot. An accounting staff in charge of payroll processing, for example, should have access to employee timesheets and the payroll management software.

Another accounting staff who handles the company’s taxes doesn’t necessarily need the same access. Limiting access to tools that contain sensitive data effectively reduces risks.

Security roles and their responsibilities

Vital to any security architecture are the people who carry out every step within it. Who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the security system? Who is in charge of maintaining specific applications and the whole network? The end-users, who are they? Who will be the auditor of the overall security architecture?

The answers to these questions should be part of the security architecture.

Auditing the security architecture

The IT security landscape is continually changing, so there is a need to assess an organization’s security architecture regularly. The auditors must make sure that the current architecture is still in line with the business goals and, at the same time, meets its needs. After the assessment, they should make the necessary adjustments to the security architecture.

In all of the areas listed above, the security architecture must contain a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to carry out each task. It could even include training, especially when there are adjustments after an audit.

Steps in Building a Healthy Security Architecture

Security architects have a lot on their plates, and so can do with a little help. We listed down some best practices that they can adhere to in specific steps when building a sound security architecture.

Limit Access

Part of every security architect’s task is to assess the so-called “network topology.” This refers to the network’s layout. It defines how different nodes or systems are connected to and communicate with each other.

Security architects need to know where and how users can access the resources they require to perform tasks while making sure that security policies and measures are in place. They need to answer these questions when designing the network topology:

What do users need to access systems?
Which users can be trusted?
Which files require privileged access?

Security architects should segregate the network—splitting it into zones to control who can access what.

Use VLANs

Virtual local area networks (VLANs) allow for easy user segregation within a network. A VLAN is an isolated broadcast domain in a computer network.

It is easier for any organization to implement security policies and measures if it does so by zone. Security architects can group users based on their access rights and assign each to a particular VLAN. That way, they can tighten or loosen security in individual network parts, depending on the confidentiality of data stored in a VLAN. User segregation also makes responding to incidents easier as threats can be contained in affected zones.

Enable System Lockdown

Once security architects fully understand the business requirements, who the users are, and what systems are required, they can then begin to determine what security solutions, policies, and protocols to put in place. Apart from using username-password combinations to access systems, for instance, they can require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for computers or servers that contain privileged-access data. MFA requires the use of an additional device (typically a mobile phone) to grant access.

All devices should also be capable of being locked down by administrators should they be compromised. That would prevent an entire network shutdown in case of a breach.

A network’s security architecture must evolve with the changing times. A sound security architecture is one that can successfully address threats, whether known or unknown.

Cloud security architecture

This is a critical component of any expanding business because of the increasing dependence on cloud computing for data storage and processing.

Cloud service models are classified into three major categories: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Each of these service models has unique security requirements that can be addressed by different security architectures.

Attributes and Phases of Security Architecture

Attributes

The key attributes of security architecture are as follows:

Relationships and Dependencies: This signifies the relationship between the various components inside IT architecture and the way in which they depend on each other.
Benefits: The main advantage of security architecture is its standardization, which makes it affordable. Security architecture is cost-effective due to the reuse of controls described in the architecture.
Form: Security architecture is associated with IT architecture; however, it may take a variety of forms. It generally includes a catalog of conventional controls in addition to relationship diagrams, principles, and so on.
Drivers: Security controls are determined based on four factors:
- Risk management
- Benchmarking and good practice
- Financial
- Legal and regulatory

Phases

The key phases in the security architecture process are as follows:

Architecture Risk Assessment: Evaluates the business influence of vital business assets, and the odds and effects of vulnerabilities and security threats.
Security Architecture and Design: The design and architecture of security services. These facilitate business risk exposure objectives.
Implementation: Security services and processes are implemented, operated and controlled. Assurance services are designed to ensure that the security policy and standards, security architecture decisions, and risk management are mirrored in the real runtime implementation.
Operations and Monitoring: Day-to-day processes, such as threat and vulnerability management and threat management. Here, measures are taken to supervise and handle the operational state in addition to the depth and breadth of the systems’ security.

Examples of Security Architecture Frameworks

Security architects have guidelines (frameworks) to work with. A security architecture framework is a set of consistent guidelines and principles for implementing different levels of business security architecture.

Companies may opt to devise their frameworks by combining international standard frameworks, such as:

OSA Framework: On the other hand, the Open Security Architecture (OSA) is a framework related to technical and functional security controls. OSA offers a comprehensive overview of crucial security components, principles, issues, and concepts that underlie architectural decisions involved in designing effective security architectures. However, OSA can only be used if the security architecture has already been designed.
SABSA Framework: SABSA, or the Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture, is a policy-driven framework. It helps define the critical questions that security architecture can only answer: what, why, when, and who. The goal of SABSA is to ensure that after the design of security services, they are then delivered and supported as an integral part of the enterprise’s IT management. One downside, however, is that SABSA doesn’t get into specifics regarding technical implementation.
TOGAF Framework: TOGAF, or The Open Group Architecture Framework, helps determine which problems need to be solved within the security infrastructure in a business. Its primary focus is on the organization’s goal and scope, as well as the preliminary phases of security architecture. TOGAF does not, however, give specific guidance on ways to address security issues.

Goal of Security Architecture

The fundamental goal of security architecture is to protect your organization from cyber threats. But what are these threats?

Sensitive company data is continuously under threat of attack, whether through malicious actors, malware, or human error. Cyber threats come in all shapes and sizes, from denial of service attacks to data theft and financial fraud. Malware such as viruses, worms, and Trojans can wreak havoc with a company’s networks and infrastructure, while ransomware can hold an organization’s data hostage until a ransom is paid. In addition to these outside threats, businesses also need to be aware of insider threats that can result in data theft, data loss, and even destruction of the business.

The CIA triad is the backbone of every security architecture. It stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, which are three key principles for any security system. Confidentiality ensures that only authorized users have access to sensitive data. Integrity ensures that data is not modified without authorization. And lastly, availability is about making sure that systems are available when needed.

As a result, information must be protected from unauthorized access, usage, modification, disclosure, and destruction.

The OSI security architecture is an internationally accepted standard and a structured approach to information security. It outlines certain security services that need to be in place to secure data as it moves across a network.

Benefits of Security Architecture

Proactive security measures save money

Mitigating cybersecurity threats is expensive. Some of the possible ramifications of security breaches can include the halt of production processes, product recalls, embarrassing press conferences and, as a result, damaged reputations and severe monetary loss.

The cost of fixing an error when detected in the early coding stages can cost up to 300%. However, if the same error is detected in the post-releases or the production stages, it costs up to 3,000% more.

To avoid or reduce the chances of errors slipping through during product development, it is advisable to integrate security at each production level. All products should be developed within a security context, minimizing zero-day attacks and rushed (therefore expensive) patches.

Leads to fewer security breaches

With modern technology, an organization is required to have a security architecture framework to protect vital information. This drastically reduces the threats associated with an attacker successfully breaching an organization’s systems.

Among the many benefits of security architecture is that it can translate each unique requirement into executable strategies. With this, it can develop a risk-free environment for a business while aligning with the latest security standards and business needs.

Security architecture helps organizations demonstrate their integrity and confidentiality to potential partners. A strong security architecture, first and foremost, upholds the three pillars of the CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Accessibility. In so doing, consumers and business partners will be much more likely to work with and trust an organization.

Mitigates disciplinary measures in the event of a breach

Although cyber breach legislation consequences differ around the globe, it is common knowledge that the more an organization tries to prevent risks and reduce vulnerabilities, the higher the chances of favorable outcomes in the event of an attack. Working within regulations can help prevent punitive measures, which will, of course, further damage a company’s reputation and finances.

With the introduction of GDPR, regulations have gotten stricter, and businesses are working to keep their technology within these new regulations. At the same time, technology is also advancing quickly, meaning that the legislative landscape is also working tirelessly to catch up with technology. In other words, both sides of the equation are constantly changing and tightening their regulations and practices.

Therefore, as a business, having a robust security architecture and using the necessary processes and tools to integrate the development cycle to detect errors is the best way to comply with the relevant authorities and regulations, as well as further defend your company against cyber threats.

Security Architecture: What Is It & What Are the Benefits?

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What is Security Architecture?

Types of Security Services