Secure by Design: Navigating the UK Government’s Cyber Security Mandate
November 2024
The UK Government’s 'Secure by Design' initiative marks a significant shift in how cyber security is approached within public and private sectors alike. Announced as part of the broader National Cyber Security Strategy, this policy seeks to embed security principles into the very fabric of technology development, promoting resilience from the outset rather than relying on reactive measures. While the directive is undoubtedly necessary, given the growing scale and sophistication of cyber threats, it presents several challenges for public sector organisations. However, it also offers long-term benefits that far outweigh initial hurdles.
Challenges on the Horizon
The most immediate challenge lies in the cultural shift required. Historically, security has been considered an afterthought, added as a patchwork solution once systems are built and vulnerabilities are discovered. A heavy focus on Risk Management and Accreditation Document Sets (RMADS) or a drive to complete Accreditation at the culmination of projects leads teams to ‘bolt on’ security controls or shoehorn them in for compliance purposes. The 'Secure by Design' framework demands a proactive and iterative approach: security must be an integral part of the development process from the outset. This requires not only a change in mindset but also upskilling IT teams, revising procurement strategies, and adapting to more stringent compliance standards.
Legacy systems, omnipresent in the public sector, present another obstacle. Many government agencies rely on decades-old infrastructure that was never designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. Retrofitting these systems to meet 'Secure by Design' standards could be complex and expensive. Furthermore, the resource constraints that plague many public sector bodies—tight budgets, limited technical expertise, and bureaucratic inertia — could make it difficult to rapidly adopt the changes required by this policy.
Additionally, there is the issue of supply chains. Public sector organisations are heavily dependent on external vendors and contractors, many of whom may not yet be compliant with the 'Secure by Design' standards. This places an additional burden on organisations to vet their suppliers rigorously, and in many cases, to insist that third-party vendors also embed secure design principles into their offerings.
The Benefits of Compliance
Despite these challenges, the benefits of embracing 'Secure by Design' are manifold. Most importantly, it will considerably reduce the attack surface for public sector organisations. By building security into systems from the ground up, vulnerabilities are less likely to be exploited, decreasing the risk of large-scale breaches, data leaks, and ransomware attacks.
This proactive approach will also lead to long-term cost savings. Reactive security, patching, and responding to breaches are expensive. By preventing such incidents through secure design, organisations can save substantial sums over time. Moreover, adopting these standards will future-proof the public sector's digital infrastructure, ensuring that systems are not just compliant today but adaptable to emerging threats.
'Secure by Design' will also enhance trust in government services. As citizens become more digitally literate, they expect a higher degree of privacy and security from the organisations that handle their data. Ensuring that government systems are secure by default will bolster public confidence in e-government initiatives and online services.
Timelines and Implementation
The UK Government has outlined ambitious timelines for rolling out 'Secure by Design' across public sector organisations, with phased compliance deadlines beginning in 2024 for Group 1 organisations (ministerial departments, ALBs managing government Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and organisations managing priority government services) and early 2025 for all other remaining ALBs and other central government organisations. Full adherence is expected by the end of the decade. This timeline provides an opportunity for organisations to plan their transition, but it also leaves little room for complacency.
How We Can Help
At BLOCKPHISH, our experienced and security-cleared experts specialise in guiding public sector organisations through the labyrinth of compliance requirements. Our tailored services begin with a thorough assessment of your current infrastructure, identifying where legacy systems need upgrading or redesigning to meet the new standards. We offer bespoke advisory for IT and project teams, ensuring they are fully equipped to embed secure principles into every stage of development.
Moreover, we have extensive experience in supply chain risk management, helping organisations to audit their vendors and ensure compliance across the board. Our strategic advisory services can streamline the procurement process, ensuring that all future technologies adhere to 'Secure by Design' from the outset.
By partnering with us, public sector organisations can not only meet but exceed the 'Secure by Design' standards, ensuring they remain resilient in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. For more information on the services we can provide for public sector organisations, find us on G-Cloud.