CYBERATTACKS ARE INCREASING in frequency, severity, and sophistication. Target systems are becoming increasingly complex with a multitude of subtle dependencies. Designs and implementations continue to exhibit flaws that could be avoided with well-known computer-science and engineering

techniques. Cybersecurity technol-
ogy is advancing, but too slowly to
keep pace with the threat. In short,
cybersecurity is losing the escala-
tion battle with cyberattack. The re-
sults include mounting damages
in the hundreds of billions of dollars, 4
erosion of trust in conducting busi-
ness and collaboration in cyberspace,
and risk of a series of catastrophic
events that could cause crippling
damage to companies and even entire
countries. Cyberspace is unsafe and is
becoming less safe every day.

The cybersecurity discipline has created useful technology against aspects of the expansive space of possible cyberattacks. Through many real-life engagements between cyberattackers and defenders, both sides have learned a great deal about how to

Engineering
Trustworthy
Systems:
A Principled
Approach to
Cybersecurity
DOI: 10.1145/3282487

Cybersecurity design reduces the risk of system failure from cyberattack, aiming to maximize mission effectiveness.

BY O. SAMI SAYDJARI

key insights

Cybersecurity must be practiced as a principled engineering discipline.

Many principles derive from insight into the nature of how cyberattacks succeed.

Defense in depth and breath is required to cover the spectrum of cyberattack classes.