Digital Transformation: Taking A Secure-by-design Approach

Digital transformation is inevitable amidst the fourth industrial revolution and the onset of 5G. However, along with its advantages, digitization raises a number of cybersecurity concerns. As per an industrial report, approximately 82% of IT security and C-level executives have encountered at least one data breach while implementing new technologies!

Cybersecurity thus forms a crucial aspect of digital transformation. We’ve all heard about proactive cybersecurity. It is an effective way of staying immune from cyberattacks. But how about integrating security into the initial design phase of a particular technology? Can it make digital transformation journeys even safer?

Precisely, the concept is called “security-by-design” approach. So, what exactly is secure-by-design or security-by-design in digital transformation? How can it be beneficial for companies on their way to achieving digital transformation? Let’s answer these questions while exploring a few aspects of this innovative approach.

What is Secure-By-Design?

Secure-by-design is a cybersecurity approach. It enables companies to automate their data security controls and shape infrastructural design to secure their IT management workflows. The approach focuses on preventing cyberattacks rather than repairing them and recovering from the damage.

In other words, secure-by-design refers to thinking about cybersecurity during the initial phases of digital transformation. It means that developers have integrated security into the software’s design to reduce flaws and enhance defense.

In addition, integrating the secure-by-design digital transformation approach helps enhance, integrity and IT infrastructure availability. Let’s discuss a few examples of this approach.

Developing a SASE Architecture

IT leaders must build and implement a comprehensive security architecture to fulfill the needs of a cloud-driven work environment. They have more responsibilities than ever, especially considering cyberattacks that are continuously evolving. So, they should keep an eye out for new threats in addition to dealing with current ones.

Integrating layer seven firewalls with Unified Threat Management, intrusion detection, application control and many such technologies onto a single platform could be another move. It can help increase the cybersecurity visibility of all assets and enable administrators to act proactively.

Additionally, CISOs must consider switching to customized firewalls and integrating secure web gateways into existing security ammo. It can help prevent intruders, bad actors, etc. from trespassing.

Besides, ZTNA (Zero Trust Security Architecture) can help provide secure remote access. It can prove an excellent tool concerning the secure-by-design approach.

Enhancing UX with Secure Designs

Going through various security checks and authentication measures could annoy users, and they may leave interactions halfway. Companies must have experienced this in the past, which is why many investigate reducing security layers to enhance UX.

But that’s not the right thing to do. While users are crucial, cyberattacks could cost a fortune! Perhaps an indication that empathizes with users and explains the reasons for multiple checkpoints may help. Nevertheless, businesses must blend cybersecurity with user experience to achieve both objectives.

Accordingly, IT leaders must strive to develop a secure design digital transformation approach. Integrating security layers can help make their systems immune. But at the same time, it will also make the system more resilient. So Therefore, recovering wouldn’t be as challenging even if someone manages to cut through.

Secure-by-design considers the secure designs. Thus, companies must focus on designing an outstanding user experience. They should do it while adding authentication layers with tools that do not hamper the user experience yet optimize security.

Placing Security at the Vanguard of Digital Transformation

Security deserves a prominent spot in the digital transformation journey. Even better if it is prominently displayed. Security must be integrated from the beginning while building sophisticated software products and stitching complex digital networks. A security-driven design approach can help detect unauthorized or harmful traffic early, filter it, and keep it out of digital premises.

In addition, it can help CISOs identify traffic deviations and unusual movements or visitors, which could be potentially harmful to the network.

Embark on Your Digital Transformation Journey with a Secure-By-Design Approach with Qodequay Technologies!

Despite knowing how critical security is, it is still an afterthought for many companies. But not with Qodequay! We leverage the design thinking process, which incorporates the secure-by-design approach, to help companies keep their network safe while integrating various elements from the digital realm.

Our digital transformation strategies help maintain business value, objectives, users, and security at the forefront to help you achieve a well-rounded outcome.

Click here to learn more about our digital transformation strategies.