Security Architecture

A Security Architecture is a system architecture that defines security controls, security principles, and security patterns that can support system security requirements.

• AKA: Information Security Architecture, Cybersecurity Architecture, Security Design Pattern.
• Context:
  • It can typically establish Security Layers including perimeter security, network security, application security, and data security.
  • It can typically define Security Components such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control systems.
  • It can typically specify Security Protocols for authentication, authorization, and encryption.
  • It can typically implement Defense-in-Depth Strategies through multiple security controls.
  • It can typically incorporate Security Zones separating trust levels and data sensitivity levels.
  • ...
  • It can often enable Security Monitoring through security information and event management systems.
  • It can often support Incident Response Capabilities via security orchestration platforms.
  • It can often facilitate Compliance Management through security control mapping.
  • It can often provide Threat Modeling using attack vector analysis.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Traditional Security Architecture to being a Modern Security Architecture, depending on its architectural evolution.
  • It can range from being a Perimeter-Based Security Architecture to being a Zero-Trust Security Architecture, depending on its trust model.
  • ...
  • It can support Zero-Trust AI System Security Architectures through specialized AI security patterns.
  • It can enable AI Data Pipeline Security Architectures via data flow security controls.
  • It can integrate with Layer-Based Software Architecture Models for security layer integration.
  • It can complement Network Security Bastion Servers as security components.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Enterprise Security Architectures, such as:
    • SABSA Security Architecture providing business-driven security design.
    • TOGAF Security Architecture integrating with enterprise architecture frameworks.
    • Zero Trust Architecture eliminating implicit trust assumptions.
  • Cloud Security Architectures, such as:
    • AWS Well-Architected Security Pillar defining cloud security best practices.
    • Azure Security Architecture implementing cloud-native security controls.
    • Google Cloud Security Architecture providing shared responsibility models.
  • Application Security Architectures, such as:
    • Microservices Security Architecture securing distributed services.
    • API Security Architecture protecting application programming interfaces.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Network Topology, which describes network structure without security considerations.
  • Software Architecture, which focuses on functional components rather than security controls.
  • Infrastructure Design, which addresses hardware configuration without security patterns.
• See: Zero-Trust AI System Security Architecture, AI Data Pipeline Security Architecture, Information Security Management System, Security Framework, Threat Model, Security Control, Defense in Depth.

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