The Book
Learn how to build secure software and systems from the start — not after vulnerabilities appear.
A practical guide for architects, developers, engineers, security professionals, and technical leaders who want to integrate security into every design decision.
PDF edition available for offline reading
Print it out for reference, or simply enjoy a consistent offline reading experience across different devices.
About the book
Mastering Security By Design is a practical guide for architects, developers, engineers, and technology leaders who want to build security into systems from the very beginning—not add it as an afterthought.
Rather than focusing solely on vulnerabilities and security tools, this book teaches a design-first approach to security. You’ll learn how to identify risks early, apply proven design principles, perform effective threat modeling, and make architectural decisions that reduce risk throughout the entire software lifecycle.
This book bridges the gap between theory and practice. Whether you’re designing a new platform, reviewing an existing system, or improving your organization’s security maturity, Mastering Security By Design provides practical guidance for creating resilient, secure systems that stand the test of time.
Read the complete book online for free, or purchase the PDF edition for convenient offline access and long-term reference.
Pay What You Can
Cybersecurity education shouldn’t be a luxury.
In an industry where online courses are often overpriced and provide little genuine value, we choose a different path.
We believe that critical security knowledge should be open, borderless, and accessible to everyone. True to the spirit of this course, we respect your digital sovereignty: there are no mandatory registrations and there is no invasive tracking. After all, this is a security course.
We don’t want your financial situation to be a barrier to improving your skills or advancing your career. Not everyone can afford the often excessive fees attached to professional cybersecurity training. Financial circumstances should never prevent someone from developing the skills needed to grow, contribute, and thrive in the information security field.
That is why Mastering Security by Design is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the book free?
Yes. The complete online edition can be read for free. There is no registration needed and there is no invasive tracking.
Why buy the PDF?
The PDF is ideal for offline reading, training, personal libraries, and long-term reference.
Who should read this book?
This book is designed for managers, directors, architects, developers, and security enthusiasts. It focuses on designing reliable and secure systems.
In person courses
Learn from the Authors!
Take your skills to the next level with an in-person workshop. Ideal for teams ready to implement Security by Design immediately. Available in the Netherlands and Belgium.