Requirements Analysis

Requirements analysis is the structured mapping of the security requirements and specifications that a system must meet. This includes both functional security requirements (what the security controls must do), non-functional requirements (performance, scalability, usability of security measures, etc.), and the specific compliance and regulatory needs the organization must address.

Iteratively gathering and analyzing security requirements ensures that the security specialist understands what protections need to be implemented and why. This prevents you from implementing the wrong security controls or missing critical security aspects.

In security implementation, requirements analysis helps to break down a project into manageable security components and weigh the value of controls against implementation costs and business impact. It is also essential for communicating with stakeholders: clear security requirements give everyone direction and make realistic security planning possible.

Starting Points

• Explore user requirements (ICT Research Methods)
• Requirements prioritization (ICT Research Methods)

Key Points

• You demonstrate the ability to identify security needs of users and stakeholders, for example by conducting a brief security needs analysis (interviews, risk assessments, or compliance audits) and translating the results into concrete security requirements.
• You formulate clear security requirements in recognized form such as user stories with acceptance criteria or security control statements, which are traceable to the organization's risk profile and compliance needs.
• You make a substantiated distinction in the priority of different security requirements based on risk assessment and business impact.
• You show iteration: for example, by refining or prioritizing security requirements after a vulnerability assessment or based on evolving threats.