Data security is the top priority for many. Hardware and software must also grow closer together to provide the desired protection. However, this is not a matter of course. That’s why TeamDrive relies on the “Security by Design” principle. Find out exactly what this is here!

What is “Security by Design”?

“Security by Design” means that security requirements for software and hardware are taken into account at the development stage in order to prevent later security loopholes . This significantly improves resistance to attacks from outside and can avoid expensive upgrades later on.

In this case, “Design” is not about artistry, it’s about the design of the software, the architecture. If the design takes into account possible weak points and security interests from the very beginning, these can be integrated into the development process.

Advantages of “Security by Design”

The advantages of Security by Design are obvious:

  • avoid errors early

  • reduce potential points of attack

In the booming Smart Home and Internet of Things sectors, especially, secure solutions are essential for usability. That is because smart TVs, fridges, smoke alarms and door contacts are clients that are in constant contact with other clients or hosts, meaning there are lots of points of attack if these devices have not been developed and implemented properly. It is therefore essential that “Security by Design” is employed in this environment.

Security Update Challenges in IoT

Imagine your house had a smart lighting system that was always online so that it can receive instructions via an app or sensors, and it will soon become clear that security updates are not practical given the minimal transfer capacities. These IoT devices therefore need to have all the necessary security functions already integrated.

What is “Privacy by Design?”

Besides “Security by Design”, there is also “Privacy by Design”. The  principle of “Privacy by Design” is founded on the basic idea of “Data Protection through Technical Design” and is anchored in Article 25 of the GDPR.

Paragraph 2 of this states:

The controller shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures for ensuring that, by default, only personal data which are necessary for each specific purpose of the processing are processed.

The idea behind this is that data protection be taken into account during data processing itself and not just when saving and processing these data further. The protection of personal information as defined by the GDPR is therefore achieved by implementing technical and organisational measures (TOMs) in the development stage itself.

The basic principles of “Privacy by Design” are:

  • Risks must be recognised early in order to be avoided

  • Data protection must be part of a default configuration

  • Data protection measures must be integrated from the very beginning, not as add-ons

  • The functionality of the software shall not be compromised

  • It must be possible to delete data if desired

  • Data processing must be adapted to business objectives

  • The private sphere of the user must be respected

Privacy by Default

“Privacy by Design” is often equated to Privacy by Default. But Privacy by Default goes one step further. By using pre-configured or factory settings designed to protect data, the level of protection of personal data is increased further. Users who are less technologically competent and who would configure software incorrectly or improperly more quickly are particularly well protected here. We resolve this “Privacy Paradox” by integrating the right settings for the user into development itself.