Enterprise security architecture definition
Enterprise security architecture is a structured strategy organizations create to protect themselves from cyber threats and unauthorized access. The strategy has many parts, some designed to prevent cyberattacks while others aim to detect and address them quickly. With cybersecurity threats rapidly evolving, enterprise security architecture plays a crucial role in making sure organizations are ready to deal with these threats.
See also: enterprise application security
Core principles of enterprise security architecture
- Consolidation. When organizations have too many standalone security solutions and applications, deploying and managing them becomes difficult. They consume too many resources and time and are generally more challenging to manage. Consolidating is essential in enterprise security architecture because it helps organizations manage their security risks more effectively.
- Zero trust. A zero-trust approach assumes that no one outside or within the organization can be trusted by default. Companies with a zero-trust framework only give users access to the resources and applications necessary for their role. They also require users to verify their identity to minimize risks.
- Threat prevention. Enterprise security architecture needs to focus not only on detecting and removing threats but also on prevention. Just reacting to attacks when they happen is not enough. Prevention is all about taking proactive steps to remove the risks of various cyberattacks. By identifying and removing the risks, organizations can protect their systems and avoid the damage of cyberattacks.
Common enterprise security architecture frameworks
- SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture)
- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Architecture Framework (DoDAF)
- Federal Enterprise Architecture of the United States Government (FEA)
- Zachman Framework for Enterprise Architecture
