
In today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape, organizations face an ever-growing challenge to design and maintain secure systems that are resilient, scalable, and adaptable. The Cybersecurity Design Model (CDM), developed by ISAUnited.org, provides a practical and structured framework for security architects and engineers to embed security into enterprise systems effectively. The CDM applies theoretical concepts and real-world applications by integrating principles of Defensible Architecture Design and leveraging key elements such as exposure mapping, risk scoring, and validation frameworks.
A Framework for Designing Secure Systems
The CDM empowers practitioners to design security systems that align with industry standards while addressing specific organizational objectives. Whether you are developing new systems, refining existing architectures, or conducting ad-hoc security assessments, the CDM offers repeatable methodologies that ensure clarity, consistency, and adaptability. It supports a modular approach, enabling teams to prioritize resources, assess risks with metrics like Exposure Index (EI), and evaluate the effectiveness of controls through Mitigation Effectiveness (ME). These metrics provide a data-driven foundation for decision-making, making it easier to justify investments and improvements to stakeholders.
Blueprints for Security Architects and Engineers
For security architects, the CDM acts as a blueprint for embedding robust security measures into the core design of enterprise systems. It ensures that all components, from network infrastructure to cloud environments, are evaluated and secured with precision. For engineers, the CDM offers actionable guidance on implementing and validating controls, aligning with best practices while maintaining system performance and usability. Together, these roles can use the CDM to foster collaboration across technical and business units, ensuring that security is not just an afterthought but a core element of the system’s lifecycle.
Advancing Secure-by-Design Principles
The Cybersecurity Design Model (CDM) is more than a framework—it’s a commitment to advancing secure-by-design principles. By adopting the CDM, organizations and practitioners alike can enhance their ability to safeguard critical assets, navigate compliance requirements, and build resilient systems capable of withstanding evolving threats. Explore how ISAUnited.org’s CDM can transform your approach to cybersecurity architecture and engineering and join a growing community dedicated to shaping the future of secure design.
Learn more here: https://www.isaunited.org/architecture-cybersecurity-design-models