In an environment where time-to-market is seen as the key to success, cybersecurity often takes a backseat to other efforts (e.g. prototyping) that advance the functionality of a new product. For some businesses, especially those on a budget, it makes more economic sense to fix security problems if or when they arise after the product’s launch. The downside with this approach is that if the worst-case scenario does happen, products often need to be redesigned, customers compensated, and tarnished company reputations restored.

While the investment in cyber-secure product design might seem costly, it beats the alternative of resolving security breaches further down the line. Ignitec® is Cyber Essentials Certified, meaning that security is ‘baked into’ our product development process from the beginning rather than ‘bolted on’ at the end. Call us for a quote or a free consultation with one of the experts on our team to discuss cyber-secure product development solutions. We’ll help you address vulnerabilities and keep your business and customers safe – without breaking the bank!

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What are the stakes, and why is ‘security by design’ important?

Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace. From sophisticated phishing attacks to ransomware and data breaches, the risks are multifaceted and ever-present. With recent high-profile attacks targeting healthcare, finance, retail, government, manufacturing, and energy, it’s clear that the cyber-threat landscape is evolving at an alarming rate. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime is predicted to hit $8 trillion in 2023 and will grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Consequently, developing cyber-secure products with built-in security measures is no longer an option. Instead, it’s a fundamental requirement for businesses seeking to protect data, maintain integrity, and fortify resilience against potential breaches.

“Security by Design” is an approach to software, hardware, and product development that prioritises integrating security measures and protocols throughout the design, production, and manufacturing process. Customer security is hence seen as a core business requirement and not just a technical feature, and is a proactive strategy that’s ‘baked in’ instead of ‘bolted on’.

Ensuring that security is an integral part of the overall structure and functionality involves anticipating potential security threats, risks, and vulnerabilities and addressing them early in the development lifecycle. Key elements include:

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities a system or product might face.
2. Implementing Controls: Integrating security controls, such as encryption, access controls, and authentication methods, at every stage of development.
3. Compliance and Standards: Ensuring adherence to relevant industry standards, best practices, and legal compliance.
4. Ongoing Review and Improvement: Continuously monitoring, testing, and updating security features to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.

By adopting this approach, we can minimise the risk of security breaches, data leaks, and cyber attacks. In addition, security by design promotes a proactive security culture that fosters trust and confidence among users and customers by demonstrating our commitment to protecting their data and privacy.

13 best practice essentials for cyber-secure product design

Product design is more than just how a product looks; it’s about how it works from both user experience and technical perspectives. Critical components for best practice product design for cybersecurity include:

1. End-to-End Encryption

Ensure that data remains encrypted during transmission, storage, and processing. This prevents unauthorised access to sensitive information, even if intercepted.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication

Adding an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple forms of verification. Strong authentication and access control ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive information or features within the product.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Patching

Continuously monitor the product for vulnerabilities and promptly apply security patches and updates to address any discovered weaknesses.

4. User-Friendly Security Features

Balancing robust protection with a seamless user experience. Talk to your users or customers regularly to determine how and why they use your product. For example, if your product has software built into it, do users install security updates that are recommended? If not, why not?

5. Inclusive Design and Accessibility

Almost one in four people in the UK have some form of disability. Cyber-secure products should also be designed inclusively, with accessibility and protection for vulnerable users such as people with disabilities, elderly people, and people who are colourblind at the forefront.

6. Risk Assessment and Threat Modeling

Identify potential risks, vulnerabilities, and threats that the product might encounter. Understanding these risks allows for the implementation of targeted security measures. Download our free risk assessment template to get started and help keep your bases covered.

7. Secure Software Development Practices

Adhere to secure coding standards and best practices during the development process. This will reduce the likelihood of introducing vulnerabilities into the product’s codebase.

8. Privacy Protection

Incorporate features that respect user privacy by limiting the collection and use of personal data. Ensure compliance with relevant privacy regulations and laws.

9. Secure Configuration and Default Settings

Set secure default configurations for the product to minimise the chances of exploitation due to default vulnerabilities.

10. Thorough Testing and Validation

Conduct comprehensive security testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, to identify and remediate any weaknesses or loopholes.

12. User Education and Training

Provide educational materials and training for users to promote awareness of cybersecurity best practices and how to use the product securely.

13. Incident Response and Recovery Plan

Have a well-defined incident response plan to effectively respond to security incidents or breaches, minimising their impact and facilitating recovery.

By incorporating these elements into the product design and development process, companies can create products that prioritise cybersecurity, reduce the risk of cyber threats, instil trust and confidence, and emphasise their reliability.

A final word on designing cyber-secure products

Creating cyber-secure products with top-notch security requires a multi-layered strategy. It’s about integrating security measures from the very outset of the product development lifecycle and implementing a proactive risk mitigation strategy. It’s also about collaborating with cybersecurity experts or product design consultancy firms to ensure that products are fortified against potential vulnerabilities and comply with industry standards and regulations.

At Ignitec®, we treat our client’s data – and our own! – with extreme care and take our commitment to privacy and security seriously. We understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cybersecurity solution; therefore, we ensure that the products we design are built to address your current and future needs – without breaking the bank. Call us for a chat, quote, or free consultation.

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