Why security must be designed in in HLD - Challenge Your Understanding

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Why is it important to include security from the start in system design?

Consider a new web application project. Why should security be integrated during the initial design phase rather than added later?

A Because early security design helps prevent costly fixes and data breaches

B Because security features slow down development and should be avoided initially

C Because adding security later is cheaper and faster

D Because users do not care about security in early versions

💡 Hint

Think about the cost and impact of fixing security problems after the system is built.

Designing security early helps identify risks and build protections before vulnerabilities exist. Fixing security issues later can be expensive and damage trust.

❓ Architecture

intermediate

Which architectural approach best supports built-in security?

When designing a system, which architecture helps ensure security is integrated throughout?

A Monolithic architecture with no modular boundaries

B Single-tier architecture with all components tightly coupled

C Layered architecture with clear separation of concerns and security checks at each layer

D Architecture without authentication or authorization layers

💡 Hint

Think about how separating parts of a system can help control access and reduce risks.

Layered architecture allows security controls at each level, making it easier to enforce policies and isolate threats.

❓ scaling

advanced

What is a key risk of adding security features only after scaling a system?

A system has grown rapidly without security built in. What is a major risk when trying to add security after scaling?

A Adding security later may cause downtime and complex refactoring

B Security can be added easily without affecting performance

C Scaling automatically improves security by distributing load

D Users prefer systems without security features

💡 Hint

Consider the challenges of changing a large system's design after deployment.

Adding security late often requires major changes, risking downtime and errors, and increasing costs.

❓ tradeoff

advanced

What tradeoff occurs when security is not designed in from the start?

What is a common tradeoff when security is neglected during initial system design?

A Slower development and no impact on future costs

B Faster initial development but higher risk of breaches and costly fixes later

C Better user experience with no security concerns

D Lower risk of attacks because security is not visible

💡 Hint

Think about speed versus safety in software projects.

Skipping security early may speed up development but leads to vulnerabilities and expensive remediation later.

❓ estimation

expert

Estimate the cost impact of adding security after deployment versus during design

A company estimates fixing a security flaw during design costs $10,000. After deployment, the same fix costs 10 times more due to patching, testing, and reputation damage. What is the estimated cost after deployment?

A $1,000,000

B $50,000

C $10,000

D $100,000

💡 Hint

Multiply the initial cost by the factor given.

Fixing security issues after deployment is often 10 times more expensive due to extra work and impact.