What Is Security Architecture?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Nov 21, 2025

Two Cybersecurity Specialists Review Code on a Laptop..jpg

Companies large and small must thwart cyber attacks. Several factors impact cybersecurity, including supply chain connections, regulatory demands, international conflict, cybercrime complexity, cybersecurity experience, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025.

Companies can use security architecture to combat the financial loss, reputational damage, and business disruption associated with cyber risks. Security architecture plans and creates infrastructures that protect technical systems and data. Cybersecurity master’s degree programs prepare students to be proactive, solve timely issues, and lead in this complex technical field.

Defining Security Architecture

Security architecture consists of various components that protect business assets and information technology (IT). Essentially, it’s an organizational blueprint that encompasses policies, tools, and procedures to prevent cyberattacks, minimize their impact if successful, improve incident response, and ensure regulatory compliance. This strategic plan adapts to the complexities and needs of an organization.

Depending on the size of the business, cybersecurity experts may focus on different aspects of technical systems, such as software engineering, cloud security, identity and access management (IAM), data security, application security, and network security.

How Does Security Architecture Work?

Cybersecurity professionals evaluate existing security systems to create architecture that safeguards systems and data effectively. Cybersecurity architects meet with executives, engineers, and developers to understand the organization’s IT infrastructure and determine the types and level of security needed.

To defend against different types of hackers, experts must prepare for a range of potential threats, such as malware, extortion, phishing attacks, and viruses. Reviewing plans helps identify potential areas hackers may be able to infiltrate and helps assess procedures for backup and recovery.

In collaboration with technical and executive staff, professionals design protocols to prevent security breaches, addressing network security, cloud security, IAM, risk management, and endpoint security.

Security plans should also include a course of action for educating nontechnical staff members, such as scheduling quarterly training to help employees recognize phishing attacks and update password protocols. This reduces the risk due to human error.

Why Is Security Architecture Important?

With advances in technology, cyber threats are always becoming more sophisticated. By establishing and implementing comprehensive security plans, organizations can protect their systems by decreasing the likelihood of unauthorized access and preventing the destruction and modification of their data.

Prevents Data Breaches

Security architecture protects information and networks. Businesses should invest the time and money to create, test, and troubleshoot a reliable security plan that can mitigate the risks of a breach. Businesses with intentional design and routine security checks can prepare for and mitigate potential threats.

Saves Time

When a crisis strikes, most organizations can’t afford downtime. A thorough security architecture plan allows experts to respond promptly and maintain operations. Organizations that plan ahead can proactively hire experts, rather than hurriedly seek out consultants to solve urgent issues. They can also establish thought-out protocols to follow during different types of crises, rather than scrambling to find solutions in the moment.

Complies With Industry Regulations

Industries such as health care, retail, finance, energy, and technology must comply with federal regulations for data protection. Depending on the industry, organizations may have to adhere to certain rules to protect information. For example, health care organizations must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects patients’ health data. Organizations that violate HIPAA may face criminal charges or monetary fines.

Cybersecurity professionals may develop custom security plans or use industry-standard frameworks. Aside from financial losses, companies that fail to have plans may face monetary or legal action. Businesses seeking assistance in building a security plan can look to the government for industry-recognized models. One resource is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, created by a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). This division helps businesses reduce and manage their risks by guiding identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery.

How to Get Started in Security Architecture

Individuals with a background in computer science or IT can deepen their understanding of security architecture with an advanced degree. The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Cyber Security provides foundational concepts in system security, non-technical aspects of cyber attacks, defensive cybersecurity technologies and their functions, and the applications of network security design to give students knowledge of system security use and design..

The program offers both leadership and technical tracks, in which students gain advanced expertise in network security design, software architecture, malware, data loss, and cryptography. The 100% online program includes virtual labs and meetings, project-based assignments, and hands-on activities.

TU’s graduate program prepares students for certifications, including the CompTIA Security+, CompTIA PenTest+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). In 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked TU’s cybersecurity program No. 23 nationally for cybersecurity academics.

Learn how TU can help you embark on a rewarding career in security architecture.

Recommended Readings

What Are the 8 Types of Cybersecurity?

Do You Need a Degree for a Cybersecurity Career?

Is Cybersecurity in Demand? 8 Reasons Demand Keeps Rising

Sources:

CompTIA, Your Next Move: Security Architect

Federal Communications Commission, Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Federal Trade Commission, Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Forefront, Understanding Security Architecture

ISACA, “From Chaos to Confidence: The Indispensable Role of Security Architecture”

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Security Architecture