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Overview

What is Secure by Design?

Secure by Design (SbD) is the principle of integrating cyber resilience from the earliest stages of system development. Rather than treating security as an afterthought or a compliance checkbox, SbD ensures that platforms are built with security as a core attribute throughout the entire lifecycle.

Corassure applies SbD across requirements, architecture, testing, and sustainment – ensuring that platforms are resilient against evolving cyber threats from day one.

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Example Tile Image 1

Technical Integration

How We Deliver Secure by Design

  • Policy Translation

    Converting MOD Secure by Design directives, JSPs, and DEF STANs into actionable engineering requirements
  • Lifecycle Assurance

    Embedding SbD principles into design reviews, verification, and certification pathways
  • Independent Assessment

    Conducting audits, gap analysis, and compliance checks to validate resilience
  • Knowledge Transfer

    Delivering briefings and technical training to embed SbD culture across teams
  • Best Practice Alignment

    Ensuring alignment with leading security frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001
Operational Impact

Why Secure by Design Matters

By embedding SbD, organisations can understand risks, maximise security assurance, reduce cost and risk to delivery, and maintain operational assurance.

Understand Your Risks

Comprehensive threat modelling and risk assessment from the earliest project stages, ensuring no security gaps are left unaddressed.

Maximise Security Assurance

Build confidence with stakeholders and regulators through demonstrable, evidenced security compliance throughout the system lifecycle.

Reduce Cost & Risk

Addressing security early prevents costly rework, schedule delays, and the expense of retrofitting security controls later in development.

Maintain Operational Assurance

Systems designed with security at their core remain resilient against evolving cyber threats throughout their operational life.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Secure by Design and how Corassure can support your programme.

What is the difference between Secure by Design and traditional security accreditation?

Traditional security accreditation typically focuses on assessing a completed system against security requirements at a point in time. Secure by Design takes a fundamentally different approach by embedding security considerations throughout the entire development lifecycle — from initial concept and architecture through to deployment and sustainment. This proactive approach identifies and addresses security risks earlier, reduces costly rework, and results in systems that are inherently more resilient.

When should we engage Corassure for Secure by Design support?

The earlier, the better. Ideally, engage us during the concept or early design phase when security architecture decisions can have the greatest positive impact. However, we also support programmes at any stage – whether you need to assess an existing design, remediate identified gaps, or prepare for regulatory engagement. Our experience shows that early engagement delivers the best value, but it’s never too late to improve your security posture.

Which sectors and domains does Corassure support with SbD?

Our work with MOD delivery teams, prime contractors, and SMEs spans land, maritime, and air platforms across the defence sector. We also support aerospace and aviation programmes, critical infrastructure operators, and organisations developing safety-critical systems. Our consultants bring real-world experience from these domains, understanding both the technical challenges and the regulatory landscape.

How does SbD relate to other Corassure services?

Secure by Design complements our other certification and assurance services. For aviation programmes, SbD aligns closely with Cyber Security Airworthiness requirements. For software and hardware certification, security considerations must be integrated with safety assurance activities. We take a holistic view, ensuring that security, safety, and certification requirements are addressed in a coordinated manner rather than in isolation.

Can you help us transition from accreditation to Secure by Design?

Absolutely. Many organisations are navigating this transition, particularly within the MOD environment. We provide tailored support to help you understand the differences, assess your current position, develop a transition roadmap, and implement SbD practices that align with your programme timelines and regulatory requirements. Our knowledge transfer approach ensures your team builds the capability to sustain SbD practices independently.

Related Services

Explore Our Other Services

Secure by Design works alongside our other certification and assurance offerings.
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Ready to Embed Security From Day One?

Get in touch with our team to discuss how Secure by Design can strengthen your programme.