3.4 The advantages and disadvantages of security by design

Imagine you're building a treehouse with your friends. You want it to be a cool spot where you can hang out, but you also want to make sure it's safe and nobody can easily break in. Now, there are two ways you can go about making your treehouse secure.

Building Security In From the Start (Security by Design):

This is like deciding that your treehouse will have a strong lock on the door, windows that close securely, and maybe even a secret password before you even start building it. You think about all the ways someone might try to sneak in and you plan to stop them right from the beginning.

Adding Security Later

This is like building your treehouse without any locks on the doors or windows, just focusing on getting it up as fast as you can. Then, after you realize that squirrels are stealing your snacks, you decide to add some locks.

Problems with This Approach

It can end up being more expensive and more of a hassle to add locks and make the windows secure after everything is already built.

You might end up just doing the bare minimum to keep the squirrels out, instead of really making sure the treehouse is super secure.

So, having a "security by design" mindset is like planning your treehouse to be the coolest and safest hangout spot from the get-go. You invest a bit more at the start, but it saves you trouble and maybe even some tears down the line. Plus, you can always make updates as your treehouse club grows!

Benefits

Cheaper and Easier in the Long Run: It's a lot easier and cheaper to install a strong lock while you're building the door than to add one later after someone's already snuck in and made a mess.

Custom Fit: You can make sure the security stuff works just right for your treehouse, instead of buying some one-size-fits-all lock that might not work as well.

Plan Ahead: Since you're thinking about security from the start, you can make sure you have enough money saved from your allowance to buy the best lock and maybe even a cool alarm.

Drawbacks

Upfront Cost: It might cost more of your allowance upfront to get all the cool security gadgets.

Takes Time: You have to spend more time planning and might have to delay your treehouse opening party.

Future Changes: If you decide to expand the treehouse later, you might need to update your security measures, but if you plan it right, you can make adjustments without starting over.