Security Architecture
& Design
Build secure systems before problems are introduced. Security architecture makes sure systems, cloud platforms, networks, applications, identity controls and data flows are designed with security built in from the start. RTCS reduces design risk, identifies gaps early and helps implement controls that support business outcomes without unnecessary complexity.
- Secure architecture and secure-by-design reviews
- Cloud security architecture across Azure, AWS and Google Cloud
- Network and segmentation design
- Identity, access and Zero Trust architecture
- Application, API and integration security design
- Data protection and trust boundary design
- Threat modelling and architecture risk assessments
- Logging, monitoring and detection architecture
- Remediation and uplift planning
Security is easier to build in than to add later.
Security architecture is the design of technology systems with security, privacy, resilience and risk management in mind - how users access systems, how data moves, how networks are segmented, how cloud services are configured, how applications are protected and how security controls work together. A good architecture reduces both the likelihood and impact of incidents.
Security issues are usually introduced at the design stage.
Systems exposed unnecessarily
Weak identity and access design
Poor network segmentation
Excessive permissions
Sensitive data moving without clear controls
Security logging added too late
Cloud resources deployed without guardrails
Applications relying on weak trust assumptions
Third-party integrations not reviewed
Security controls not aligned to business risk
Find design risk before implementation.
RTCS reviews new or existing designs to identify security gaps before deployment. The output is a clear set of risks, design observations and recommended improvements.
The architecture surfaces we design for.
Cloud Architecture
Landing zones, subscription / account structure, network segmentation, identity and access, storage and database security, key and secret management, public exposure controls, logging and policy governance across Azure, AWS and Google Cloud. Pair with Cloud Security.
Identity & Access Design
Role-based access control, privileged access design, Conditional Access, MFA requirements, service-account controls, guest and third-party access, joiner / mover / leaver and access-review requirements. Pair with Identity & Access Management.
Network & Segmentation
Network zones, firewall rules, remote access pathways, secure management access, private connectivity, internet exposure controls, sensitive system isolation and logging / monitoring points.
Application & Integration
Authentication flows, authorisation models, API access controls, session design, data handling, error handling, logging requirements, third-party integrations and threat modelling.
For broader identity-first design principles applied across the program, see Zero Trust Architecture.
Find the attack paths in the diagram, not in production.
RTCS performs threat modelling against architecture, data flows and trust boundaries - identifying likely attack paths, security assumptions, and control gaps before code is written or systems are built. Threat models are practical, documented and tied directly to remediation actions.
Architecture vs Pentest
Security Architecture Review
Assesses design and control decisions before implementation. Identifies risks in the model, the data flows and the assumptions.
Penetration Testing
Validates exploitable weaknesses in a deployed system or application. See Penetration Testing & Offensive Security. The two support each other - architecture catches design issues, testing catches implementation issues.
Understand to Support
A practical, staged engagement that produces architecture decisions you can defend, evidence and implement.
Review business requirements, systems, risks, constraints and planned changes.
Assess architecture, data flows, access paths, trust boundaries and control design.
Identify design risks, missing controls and areas where security can be improved.
Provide practical design recommendations that align to business needs and technical constraints.
Where required, support implementation planning, remediation and architecture documentation.
Who It's For & What You Receive
Who This Service Is For
- Designing a new system or platform
- Moving services to the cloud
- Need secure architecture review before implementation
- Need to reduce design risk
- Need better identity or network architecture
- Need to review application or API design
- Need to improve segmentation or access controls
- Need security input for a major IT project
- Want practical design advice without complexity
Typical Deliverables
- Security architecture review
- Secure design recommendations
- Architecture risk assessment
- Threat model
- Security control mapping
- Cloud architecture findings
- Network segmentation recommendations
- Identity and access design review
- Data flow and trust boundary review
- Risk-rated findings
- Remediation roadmap
- Executive summary
Where architecture connects to the rest of the program.
Zero Trust Architecture →
Identity-first design principles applied across users, devices, networks and applications.
Cloud Security →
Configuration, exposure and identity assurance for the cloud environments your design specifies.
Azure Security Posture & CIS Benchmark →
CIS-aligned configuration review for the Azure landing zones built from the design.
Identity & Access Management →
Entra ID, AD and privileged-access controls behind the identity design.
Secure Cloud & Data Engineering →
Secure build and data-platform implementation aligned to the architecture.
Security Integration & Engineering →
Engineering and integration of the security controls the architecture relies on.
Penetration Testing →
Independent validation that the implemented design behaves the way it's supposed to.
Source Code Review →
White-box code review that complements architecture-level threat modelling.
Security is easier to build in than add later. Talk to us about security architecture review, secure design advice, cloud architecture, network segmentation, identity design or application security architecture.
Common Questions
What is security architecture?
Security architecture is the design of systems, networks, cloud platforms, applications and controls so they are secure, resilient and aligned to risk.
When should we involve security architecture?
Security architecture should be considered early in a project, before systems are built or deployed. It is usually cheaper and easier to fix design issues before implementation.
Can you review an existing design?
Yes. RTCS can review existing architecture diagrams, data flows, cloud environments, network designs, applications and integrations.
Can you help with cloud architecture?
Yes. RTCS can review or support secure cloud architecture across Azure, AWS and Google Cloud.
Do you provide threat modelling?
Yes. RTCS can perform threat modelling to identify likely attack paths, trust boundaries, security assumptions and control gaps.
Can you work with project teams?
Yes. RTCS can work with internal IT teams, developers, architects, project managers, vendors and managed service providers.
Is this the same as penetration testing?
No. Security architecture reviews assess design and control decisions. Penetration testing validates exploitable weaknesses in a deployed system or application. Both can support each other.
Available across Australia.
RTCS provides independent cyber security support for Australian organisations designing new systems, modernising platforms or reviewing existing architecture. See cyber security services across Australia for location-specific context.
Not sure what you need?
Use the enquiry form or email [email protected] with a brief summary. Include your organisation, the service area if known, and any timing requirements.