What is the Definition of Cybersecurity Architecture?
Cybersecurity Architecture, also known as Security Architecture or Network Security Architecture, describes the structure and behavior of an enterprise’s network security processes, information security systems, personnel, and organizational subunits, demonstrating their alignment with the company’s mission and strategic plans. According to NIST, a security-relevant model.
Many organizations know that traditional security measures such as antivirus software and firewalls are no match for determined adversaries, but they don’t know how to go about upgrading their present state of cyber security to harness the potency of modern-day cyber security strategies. They rightly suspect that significant untapped potential exists out there to sharpen their cyber readiness, but they aren’t poised to actualize it. To change their status quo, Cybersecurity Network Architecture plans can be drawn up to redesign a company’s infrastructure by building security directly into the company’s network security architecture. A cyber security architecture framework is just one element of the system’s total architecture. It’s designed and built to weave security into the fabric of an entire IT system.
Effective security architecture consists of three major components:
- People
People establish security goals as they align with business objectives, and identify key drivers.
- Processes
Processes determine the security techniques and policies that best suit the business based on an in-depth risk assessment.
- Tools
Tools are the technology and tactics with which the architectural framework is developed to suit business goals and objectives.
Purpose of Cybersecurity Architecture
The purpose of data security architecture is to ensure that the network architecture and IT assets, including its most valuable data and critical applications, are fully protected against current cyber adversaries and fortified against future attack vectors, where possible. Just as a military commander needs to have a broad knowledge of different types of terrain, as well as geopolitical factors, and even the vulnerable points of his own forces to defend his homeland and its territory effectively, a cybersecurity architect needs to comprehensively understand network topologies and cyber attack surface vulnerabilities to effectively defend the corporate crown jewels, in this case being sensitive data and critical applications.
The surest way to build security into a corporate network is to employ the services of a cybersecurity architect. A cybersecurity architect will thoroughly evaluate attack vectors and security vulnerabilities for different network topologies to fully defend sensitive data and critical business operations. The primary goal of a cybersecurity architect is to draft a security blueprint for an institution or company that ensures the goals outlined below.
The primary goals of effective cybersecurity architecture are:
- Attack surfaces are shrunk, protected, and engaged.
- Sensitive data at rest and in transit is encrypted and backed up.
- Threats and vulnerabilities are aggressively monitored, detected, mitigated, and countered.
- Design a Zero Trust strategy and architecture
- Establish Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) technical strategies and security operations strategies
- Design security into the infrastructure
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Cybersecurity Architectural Frameworks
Property architects have codes and rules to work within, security architects use existing guidelines to plan a blueprint for an enterprise. These are commonly referred to as ‘frameworks’. Cyber security frameworks are guidelines that security architects work with when designing, planning, and implementing security infrastructures. Frameworks are a consistent set of best practices and guidelines for implementing security architecture at different business levels. There are several international framework standards, each directed at meeting various needs. Also, some companies devise unique frameworks. What is crucial is that the framework chosen best addresses the company’s unique set of risk factors and regulatory requirements.
Examples of Common IT Security Architecture Frameworks
- TOGAF: The Open Group Architecture Framework helps determine what problems a business wants to solve with security architecture. It focuses on the early stages of security architecture, the scope of the project, business goals, and the definition of the problems a business intends to solve with the architectural process. However, it does not give specific guidance on how to address security issues.
- SABSA: Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture is a policy-driven framework that helps define the four-”W” questions that must be answered by security architecture: who, what, when, and why. It aims to ensure that security services are designed, delivered, and supported as an integral part of the enterprise’s IT management. However, like TOGAF, it does not go into specifics regarding practical implementation of strategies.
- OSA: Open Security Architecture, or OSA, is a framework related to operational function and technical security controls. It offers a comprehensive guide of key security issues, policies, features, and concepts that are involved when designing effective security architectures. It is typically used after the initial planning of security architecture is already in place, and is often used in conjunction with the previously mentioned frameworks.
Building a Secure IT Structure
Although often associated strictly with information security technology, cyber security architecture relates more broadly to business optimization in that it addresses business and network architecture. Architectural planning aligns risk management strategies to the business strategy, allowing for the support of new technologies that are in sync with organizational goals. Architectural blueprints help organizations remain nimble even in periods of rapid change, thanks to their strong, secure foundations.
With Centraleyes, it’s easy to leverage an existing cyber security framework to build a secure ecosystem composed of risk-based policies, powerful digital tools, and the knowledge of talented people.
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Start Getting Value With
Centraleyes for Free
See for yourself how the Centraleyes platform exceeds anything an old GRC
system does and eliminates the need for manual processes and spreadsheets
to give you immediate value and run a full risk assessment in less than 30 days
