Security by design means making sure something is secure from the very beginning. The concept of ‘Secure by Design’ emphasizes the integration of security measures into every aspect of product development from the very beginning. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ‘Secure by Design’ concept and apply it to the development of a sample Password Profile feature for Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems.

Secure by Design: A Fundamental Approach to Security

Secure by Design is a proactive approach to software development that prioritizes security from the project’s inception. Rather than treating security as an afterthought, it’s an integral part of the development process. This approach acknowledges that security risks exist at every level of software development, from coding to deployment, and addresses them systematically.

Numerous security design principles have been proposed to direct security design decisions however OWASP is the most followed standard for addressing the security risks. The OWASP Cheat Sheet Series project provides a set of concise good practices guidelines for application developers and defenders to follow:

https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Secure_Product_Design_Cheat_Sheet.html

The Password Profile Feature in MDM

Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems play a crucial role in securing mobile devices and managing access to corporate resources. The Password Profile feature within an MDM system is one of the pillars of security. It allows administrators to define and enforce password policies for user devices, ensuring that sensitive corporate data remains protected.

Now, let’s apply the Secure by Design concept to create a robust Password Profile feature for MDM developers.

1. Understanding the Security Landscape

Before diving into development, developers must thoroughly understand the security risks associated with password management. Consider scenarios like unauthorized access, password leaks, and brute-force attacks. Identifying these vulnerabilities is the first step in building a secure feature.

2. Threat Modeling

Create a threat model specific to password management within MDM. Visualize potential threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors. This helps in devising a comprehensive security strategy.

3. Strong Encryption

Implement strong encryption for storing and transmitting passwords. Hash passwords using robust algorithms before storing them in the database. This ensures that even if the data is compromised, passwords remain secure.

4. Password Policies

Define strict password policies within the Password Profile feature. Enforce rules like minimum length, special characters, and regular password changes. By doing so, you reduce the risk of weak passwords being used.

5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Encourage or mandate the use of MFA for added security. MFA adds an extra layer of verification, making it significantly harder for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access.

6. Secure Communication

Ensure that all communications related to password changes or resets are conducted over secure channels (HTTPS). This prevents eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks during the transmission of sensitive data.

7. Audit Logging

Implement comprehensive audit logging for password-related events. This includes logging all password changes, resets, and failed login attempts. Robust logging is essential for monitoring and detecting any suspicious activities.

8. Account Lockout

Prevent brute-force attacks by implementing account lockout mechanisms. After a certain number of failed login attempts, lock the account temporarily or require administrator intervention to unlock it.

9. Regular Security Testing

Regularly test the security of your Password Profile feature. Conduct penetration testing and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.

10. User Education

Educate users about password security best practices and the importance of maintaining strong, unique passwords. An informed user is a key line of defense against potential security breaches.

Key Security Principles for Safe Design

To maintain a strong foundation for security, it’s important to follow these key security principles:

• Restrict access to the bare minimum, keeping it relevant to the specific context.
• Clearly segregate duties and allocate control to the appropriate individuals.
• Develop a transparent trust-building procedure and verify connections at every stage.
• Recommend a straightforward system architecture to simplify situational analysis.
• Investigate critical incidents thoroughly.
• Ensure robust safeguards for system failures and implement secure defaults.
• Avoid depending on uncertainties or ambiguities.
• Devise a comprehensive defense strategy.
• Continually identify and address vulnerabilities in the weakest links.

In conclusion, Secure by Design is not just a concept but a mindset that should be embedded in every software development project. When it comes to building secure features, it’s the proactive approach that sets the foundation for robust security. Developers who embrace this philosophy help protect sensitive data, prevent security breaches, and ultimately ensure the safety of their users and organizations.