How can an architect design for resilience in a security-critical system?

1. Identify potential threats: An architect should first identify all the potential threats that the security-critical system may face. This includes natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, human-made threats such as cyber-attacks, and potential system failures.

2. Develop multiple layers of security: Resilience in a security-critical system can be achieved by designing multiple layers of security. This means that even if one layer of security fails, the other layers will still be operational in preventing a security breach.

3. Implement redundant systems: One way to design for resilience is to implement redundant systems. This means having backup systems in place in case of failures in the primary system. Redundant systems can prevent the loss of critical data and ensure system availability.

4. Evaluate the impact of potential threats: An architect should evaluate the potential impact of each threat and develop a plan to mitigate or recover from it. This may include developing disaster recovery plans, backup plans, and emergency response procedures.

5. Regularly practice contingency plans: Resilience is not achieved by just having a plan in place, but by regularly practicing contingency plans. An architect should test the system’s resilience by conducting regular simulated disaster scenarios, testing the system’s response and its ability to recover.

6. Monitor and update the system: An architect should regularly monitor and update the security-critical system to ensure it is up-to-date against emerging threats. This includes monitoring potential vulnerabilities and updating security protocols to address them.

Overall, designing for resilience in a security-critical system requires a holistic view of the threats, the system, and the procedures needed to mitigate or recover from a security breach.

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