Security by Design’ in software engineering refers to the practice of integrating security measures into the software development process from the very beginning. This approach ensures that security is not an afterthought but a fundamental component of the system’s architecture and design. It involves continuous testing, authentication safeguards, and adherence to best programming practices to make systems as free of vulnerabilities and impervious to attack as possible1. By incorporating security early in the design process, potential flaws can be identified and mitigated early on, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of addressing security issues later in the development lifecycle23.

References: The concept of ‘Security by Design’ is well-documented in software engineering literature and aligns with the principles outlined in the BCS Information Security Management Principles, which advocate for proactive and integrated security measures throughout the software development process231.