What Is Security Architecture and How to Establish It？

When talking about security architecture, what immediately comes to mind is security tools and applications, such as firewalls, antivirus software, anti-malware programs, etc. However, security architecture is the sum of all these things.

Now, let’s see the accurate definition of security architecture as well as other aspects of it.

What Is Security Architecture

What is security architecture? The basic definition of security architecture and design is that it is a systematic method to improve network security and reduce risks. Security architecture refers to the systems, processes, and tools used to prevent or mitigate attacks. Design refers to the way the security architecture is built.

In the security architecture, the design principles are reported, and in-depth security control specifications are usually recorded in separate documents. The system architecture can be regarded as a design that includes a structure and solves the connections between the components of the structure.

Components of Security Architecture

The security architecture is related to existing security policies and guidelines, rather than independent systems. Therefore, the components of security architectures include firewalls, antivirus/malware programs, threat intelligence platforms, and other security tools and applications that protect the company’s network. A good security architecture is a combination of three components – tool, process, people.

Also see: An Introduction to Network Security: Definition, Types, Software

Advantages of Security Architecture

This part is about the advantages of security architecture and design.

1. Fewer Security Vulnerabilities

Modern enterprises need a strong security architecture framework to protect their most important information assets. By enhancing the security architecture to eliminate common weaknesses, the risk of an attacker successfully sabotaging the system can be greatly reduced.

One of the greatest advantages of the security architecture is the ability to transform each organization’s unique needs into executable strategies to develop a risk-free environment above and below the business, to be consistent with business needs and the latest security standards.

2. Sva Money

It takes a lot of money to detect and fix security vulnerabilities. Integrating security at every level of product development can reduce the chance of errors and omissions. Products have been developed in a security context from the conception stage, and newly developed tools and processes (installed as part of the security architecture process) help reduce the risk of errors in each subsequent stage.

How to Establish a Healthy Security Architecture

Step 1: Limit Access

One of the tasks of every security designer is to evaluate the so-called “network topology.” That refers to the layout of the network. It defines how different nodes or systems connect and communicate with each other.

Security architects need to know where and how users can access the resources they need to perform their tasks while ensuring that security policies and measures are in place.

Step 2: Use VLAN

Virtual local area network (VLAN) allows easy user isolation within the network. VLAN is an isolated broadcast domain in a computer network. If implemented by region, it is easier for any organization to implement security policies and measures.

Step 3: Enable System Lock

Once the security architects fully understand the business needs, who the users are, and what systems they need, they can begin to determine the security solutions, strategies, and protocols to adopt. For example, in addition to using a username and password combination to access the system, they may also require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for computers or servers that contain privileged access data.

How Long Does the Security Architecture Take

There is no clear answer to this question. A simple roadmap may take several weeks to design, and a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the business may take several months. Besides, the actual conversion process also depends on the scale of the business and the scope of the project.

All in all, the security architecture process is highly dependent on your goals, business scale, budget, current situation, and similar factors.

Bottom Line

To sum up, here is all the information about security architecture. You have known the definition, components, and advantages of it. Besides, you can know how to establish it.