Key Takeaways
- Security architecture is a customized blueprint for protecting an organization’s IT infrastructure through multilevel defense and risk management. A well-designed system can significantly reduce the likelihood of a breach and its associated costs.
- The key components of security architecture include clear policies, standardized systems, access controls, communication and ongoing team training. Each element depends on the others to function effectively.
- Strong security architecture protects more than data — it safeguards an organization’s finances, operations and reputation. Clients and employees are better served knowing their information is protected and that issues will be addressed quickly.
- Security architecture is a growing and well-compensated role in demand across industries and organizations of all sizes. A relevant bachelor’s degree, work experience and advanced certifications are the typical requirements for entry.
Technology plays a crucial role in nearly every industry, making the security of those systems a top priority. That’s where system security architecture comes in — built to protect an organization’s information technology (IT) infrastructure by taking into account multilevel protection and risk management.
The cybersecurity job outlook is extremely promising, with 35% growth projected from 2021 to 2031, or about 19,500 jobs each year over the decade. Get started by deepening your understanding of cybersecurity concepts, topics and theories.
What Is Security Architecture?
Security architecture is the best defense against a cyber attack. As the name suggests, the blueprint of these systems are carefully designed with many considerations — just as with a building sketch.
When it comes to IT systems, breaches to personal information and other sensitive data are some of the biggest concerns. A breach can wreak havoc on daily procedures, finances and an organization’s trustworthiness. Thankfully, strong security architecture can vastly reduce the likelihood of problems.
The approach will vary by organization, often after a security architect spends time getting familiar with the ins and outs of operating systems and identifying vulnerabilities. The final iteration of security architecture will be customized to an organization’s objectives.
Key Components of Security Architecture
These components — each reliant on each other to properly function — are important during any security architecture buildout:
- Guidance should be easily provided to the security architect in the form of clear policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Standardization is a good place to start, but for needs unique to your organization, alterations or additions can be made to data, integration and application systems.
- Communication is vital to ensure that your organization is set up for success. Be clear about what you will rely on cybersecurity to protect, what’s working and what’s not.
- Access should only be provided to proper individuals. Be sure that safeguards are in place as the security architecture comes together.
- Training should be provided for members of the cybersecurity team who will be maintaining the system on a regular basis.
Benefits of Security Architecture
Using security architecture to be proactive about security threats and breaches provides peace of mind that your systems and information are protected. In the instance that a potential breach is detected, addressing it as soon as possible can save your organization time and money. Protecting IT also means protecting your reputation as an organization. Clients, customers and employees are better off knowing that their information is safe and that any problems that arise will be addressed quickly and effectively.
Careers in Security Architecture
Security architects and similar job titles — security consultant or security auditor — are expected to continue on an upward trajectory. The role is crucial across industries and regardless of the size of the organization. Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms or business and financial companies, according to information compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
The average annual salary of an information security analyst is $102,600, however, salaries depend on a number of factors — the specific job, organization, responsibilities and experience.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is typically needed to get started in the field, along with some work experience. Employers often favor security architects who have advanced training and certification.
frequently asked questions
What frameworks are used in security architecture?
Security architecture practice draws on several established frameworks and standards rather than relying on a single approach. Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture (SABSA) provides a business-driven framework for linking security architecture decisions to organizational objectives. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structure for managing cybersecurity risk, while NIST SP 800-53 provides a catalog of security and privacy controls commonly used in U.S. and federal environments. TOGAF is a broader enterprise architecture framework that can incorporate security architecture. ISO/IEC 27001 is a security management standard rather than an architecture framework, but its requirements can inform security architecture decisions in organizations that use it. Most organizations adapt elements of multiple frameworks and standards to fit their environment.
What is defense in depth?
Defense in depth is the practice of using multiple layers of security controls so that the failure or compromise of one control does not automatically expose a system. If an attacker bypasses a perimeter control, for example, network segmentation can limit movement while identity controls, endpoint protections and encryption provide additional barriers. The principle recognizes that individual security controls can fail or be bypassed. Security architects therefore consider how controls work together across different layers rather than relying on a single security mechanism to protect an entire system.
How does zero trust change security architecture?
Zero trust changes security architecture by removing implicit trust based on network location. Instead, access decisions are based on factors such as identity, device state, resource sensitivity and other contextual signals, with access limited according to defined policies. In practice, this can increase the architectural emphasis on identity and access management, device security, segmentation, policy enforcement and continuous monitoring. Zero trust is particularly relevant to environments that include cloud services, remote users and third-party connections, where traditional network perimeters provide less meaningful boundaries. It does not eliminate network boundaries or security controls but changes how trust and access are established within them.
What deliverables does a security architect actually produce?
Security architects produce a range of technical and planning artifacts that guide how systems are designed and secured. Common deliverables include reference architectures, security requirements for projects, network and data flow diagrams, design review findings, security standards and threat models. Architects may also document security decisions, assumptions and exceptions so that engineering and security teams understand why particular controls were selected. The specific deliverables vary by organization and project, but the goal is generally to translate security requirements and risk considerations into designs and guidance that implementation teams can use.
How is security architecture different from network architecture?
Security architecture is broader than network architecture because it addresses protection across multiple layers of an organization’s technology environment. Network architecture focuses primarily on how systems connect and communicate, including topology, routing, connectivity and network capacity. Security architecture addresses those areas as well as identity and access management, data protection, application security, endpoint security, monitoring and other security controls. The two disciplines overlap in areas such as network segmentation and secure connectivity, and some organizations combine the roles.
