How Platform Engineering Enforces Security by Design

Platform engineering teams build internal developer platforms (IDPs) that have baseline security controls, such as automated certificate handling, secure connection defaults, continuous vulnerability scans, and multifactor authentication built directly into developer workflows. Automation eliminates manual security tasks, enabling security checks, patching, scanning, access management, and compliance controls to operate seamlessly and systematically.

By treating security as a productproviding it as an internal self-service, developers are empowered to take ownership of code security, shifting the practice left in the software development lifecycle. This active approach reduces vulnerabilities and ensures consistent compliance across environments and releases. Platform engineering also improves collaboration between development and security teams by establishing shared tools and notifications, ensuring fast review and remediation of security issues.

Why it matters

• Proactive Defense Against Threats
  Integrating security early makes applications much more resilient, helping prevent cyber breaches, data leaks, and operational disruption before attackers can exploit vulnerabilities.
• Cost Savings and Efficiency
  Addressing security during the design and development stages is far less expensive than fixing vulnerabilities after deploymentremediation can cost up to 30 times more post-release. Early security also reduces time spent reacting to breaches, freeing teams to focus on innovation.
• Faster, More Reliable Delivery
  Automated controls enforce secure code, compliance, and best practices throughout the pipeline. Teams can release products quickly and confidently, instead of enduring costly delays for manual reviews and emergency patching.
• Regulatory Compliance
  Many data protection laws (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) require security controls to be built in from the start. Security by design streamlines compliance, reducing the risk of fines and legal consequences.
• Enhanced Trust and Reputation
  Customers and partners expect products to be safe. Demonstrating a proactive security posture improves market reputation and helps win and retain business, especially in regulated industries and for enterprise contracts.
• Reduced Breach Impact
  Systems built with security in mind can recover more quickly and limit damage even if a breach occurs because monitoring, access controls, and incident response are already in place.

1 Improwised technologies

Website: Improwised Technologies

Regions: India

Founded: 2011 | LinkedIn

Improwised Technologies India stands out for implementing security by design as a cultural and technical differentiator in the platform engineering landscape, leveraging automation, policy-driven infrastructure, and deep collaboration between DevOps and security teams to deliver resilient, scalable platforms uniquely suited for modern Indian enterprises.

Improwised leverages Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and “Policy as Code” to enforce standardized security controls across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, crucial in India where organizations often contend with legacy tech and fast-paced digital transformation. Policies are version-controlled, reusable, and integrated within CI/CD pipelines for continuous compliance innovation that drastically reduces manual workload in sectors with evolving regulatory demands, such as fintech and healthcare.

Why it matters:

Improwised platforms are built as composable architectures, where security controls aren’t just downstream tasksthey’re woven into every reusable blueprint and golden path. This matters because clients get trustworthy, production-ready environments from day one, not after extensive retrofitting. Security features (feature flags, RBAC, secrets management, encryption) are offered as pluggable modules, enabling the platform to flex and scale as client needs change without sacrificing integrity or performance.

2 Slalom (USA)

Founded: 2001

Slalom applies Security by Design within platform engineering engagements by embedding security deeply and systematically throughout the entire platform lifecycle, automating security controls, and fostering close collaboration between development, security, and operations teams to maintain agility without compromising protection. Slalom’s application of Security by Design within platform engineering is a holistic, automated, and collaborative approach that transcends traditional security silos. They blend cloud-native best practices, policy-driven automation, and cultural transformation to help organizations build resilient, compliant, and high-velocity development platforms, aligning security firmly with business outcomes while enabling rapid innovation.

Why it matters:

Slalom occupies a unique position at the crossroads of business strategy, technology, and security. Their approach integrates security by design as a core pillar rather than a bolt-on, ensuring that enterprises benefit from seamless, scalable, and secure platforms that accelerate innovation while mitigating risks.

3 Devoteam (Europe)

Founded: 1995

Devoteam’s approach to security by design within platform engineering is grounded in a fusion of responsible tech principles, strategic agility, and deep industry specialization. This is key beyond generic security compliance, reflecting a commitment to creating digital platforms that are inherently secure, adaptable, and innovative, tailored to the complexity of modern enterprise environments.

Why it matters:

Security by design matters for Devoteam because it forms a critical competitive advantage that enables them to deliver highly secure, efficient, and innovative platforms customized to client needs. Embracing security as a foundational element supports Devoteam’s mission to shape sustainable, responsible, and transformative digital futures for clients across industries and regions.

4 Imaginary Cloud (UK/Europe)

Founded: 2010

Imaginary Cloud focuses on creating scalable digital platforms with strong security foundations that enable businesses to innovate rapidly while maintaining compliance and resilience. Their approach is grounded in human-centered design and modern engineering practices that incorporate security by design as a core pillar rather than an afterthought. Imaginary Cloud showcases how security by design is inseparable from platform engineering success in today’s digital-first world. Their distinctive combination of automation, observability, cultural change, and compliance-first design provides a blueprint for organizations striving to build secure, scalable, and user-friendly platforms in complex regulatory environments.

Why it matters:

Imaginary Cloud’s unique value lies in blending security, compliance, and developer experience to create platforms that empower developers without sacrificing control or risk management. Their security-first mindset is embedded in their platform engineering ethos, which drives sustainable and efficient digital transformation for clients across Europe and beyond.

5 Cloud2 (Helsinki)

Founded: 2017

Cloud2 is a specialized IT company focused on providing practical, hands-on platform engineering services that streamline software delivery, optimize cloud infrastructure, and integrate security by design into every layer of their solutions. Founded with a small but highly skilled group of cloud experts, Cloud2 emphasizes expertise across top cloud platforms - AWS, Azure, Google Cloud - ensuring security and best practices are consistently upheld regardless of technology choices.Cloud2’s approach is distinguished by its deep focus on practical security implementation combined with tailored engagement models (fixed or flexible teams) that adapt to client needs without compromising governance or compliance.

Why it matters:

Cloud2 exemplifies the modern platform engineering company that understands security by design as both a technical mandate and a business enabler. Their rigorous automation ensures that security is baked into the cloud platform foundation rather than patched on later, matching the pace of agile development while meeting stringent compliance requirements.

6 Keyhole software (US)

Founded: 2008

Keyhole Software’s model is a masterclass in sustainable platform engineering: by focusing on agile, knowledge-driven project engagement, they empower clients not only to build secure systems, but also to adopt security best practices for ongoing transformation. Their senior-level U.S.-based consultants bridge the talent and trust gap, ensuring secure architecture isn’t just delivered - it’s transferred, understood, and improved over time.

Why it matters:

Keyhole Software’s strength lies in its practical integration of security as a core architectural principle, especially through modernization, automation, and developer enablement. Their approach goes far beyond technical best practices, combining knowledge transfer and hands-on consulting to elevate each client’s internal security maturity alongside transformation projects.

7 Steadforce (Germany)

Founded: 1985

Steadforce illustrates how security by design transforms the entire platform engineering value chain from infrastructure to developer workflows and ongoing operations - into a seamless, integrated system of trust and resilience. With decades of practical experience and a diverse technology stack, their approach balances strong technical foundations with evolving operational realities and business goals. Steadforce prioritizes secure microservices, containerization, and Kubernetes orchestration, applying hardened security standards by default to minimize risks early in the development lifecycle.

Why it matters:
Steadforce’s commitment to enforcing security by design within platform engineering stems from its deep expertise in delivering resilient, compliant, and scalable digital platforms. Unlike generic IT providers, they offer a uniquely integrated approach centered on advanced automation, cloud-native technologies, and collaborative cultural change, ensuring security is embedded from infrastructure through to developer workflows.

8 Arctiq (USA)

Founded: 2003

Arctiq’s approach centers on delivering secure, scalable, and compliance-ready digital platforms that transform operational workflows while fostering innovation. Their deep expertise spans enterprise security, modern infrastructure, and cloud-native platform engineering, ensuring security is integral at every stage of the software development lifecycle and infrastructure provisioning. Integrates security controls from infrastructure to application layers, applying best practices in automated identity management, encryption, and micro-segmentation.

Why it matters:

Arctiq exemplifies how mid-sized IT firms can lead in security by design by combining technical expertise, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence. They demonstrate that security is not merely an added feature but a foundation for trust, compliance, and innovation in platform engineering. Arctiq’s model of embedding security from DevOps pipelines through to monitored operational environments offers readers a compelling case study of integrating security as a core value rather than a constraint.

9 Northdoor plc (UK)

Founded: 1987

Northdoor plc exemplifies how a mature IT consultancy integrates security by design into platform engineering as a comprehensive, end-to-end capability - not just a technical feature but a strategic business asset. Their dual focus on cloud modernization and data governance uniquely equips clients to establish secure, compliant platforms that meet evolving regulations without sacrificing agility or operational efficiency. Their longstanding partnerships with industry leaders like IBM and Microsoft further differentiate them by providing access to cutting-edge tools and frameworks, enabling a holistic security posture that spans infrastructure, applications, and data.

Why it matters:

Northdoor plc’s commitment to security by design is deeply intertwined with their expertise in secure cloud migrations, infrastructure modernization, and comprehensive data governance frameworks, making them a critical enabler for organizations navigating complex regulatory and cybersecurity landscapes. Focuses on secure migration strategies ensuring data integrity, identity governance, and threat mitigation across cloud and hybrid environments.

10 Improving (USA)

Founded: 2007

Improving demonstrates how security by design is essential to platform engineering’s value proposition. Their approach underlines that security must be holistic - covering infrastructure, pipelines, developer workflows, and observability - to reduce risk while enabling rapid innovation effectively. This nuanced view reframes security as an integral enabler embedded into agile platform engineering lifecycles rather than a bottleneck or post-development task. Validates security, compliance, and scalability through iterative prototypes and deployments, ensuring platforms meet business goals and risk tolerance continuously.

Why it matters:

Improving stands out because it treats platform engineering not just as technology implementation but as a strategic enabler that balances speed, security, and operational governance. Instead of generic solutions, they tailor architectures and automation pipelines for each client’s regulatory, operational, and developer experience needs, ensuring security is intrinsic rather than bolted on.

Comparison Table: Platform Engineering for Enforcing Security by Design

Name	Founded	Region	Speciality	Strength
Improwised Technologies	2011	India	Platform engineering with security by design, focused on automation, policy-driven infrastructure for Indian enterprises	Composable architectures with reusable security controls, Infrastructure as Code, and Policy as Code, tailored for fintech and healthcare regulatory demands
Slalom	2001	USA	Holistic platform engineering embedding security by design with cloud-native best practices	Seamless, scalable, secure platforms integrating business strategy, technology, and security
Devoteam	1995	Europe	Security by design, grounded in responsible tech principles and strategic agility	Delivering inherently secure, adaptable, and innovative digital platforms
Imaginary Cloud	2010	UK/Europe	Scalable digital platforms with strong security foundations and human-centered design	Blending security, compliance, and developer experience in complex regulatory environments
Cloud2	2017	Helsinki, Finland	Platform engineering with practical security implementation across major cloud providers	Rigorous automation baking security into cloud platform foundations for agility and compliance
Keyhole software	2008	US	Designing internal developer platforms, modern CI/CD pipelines, automation, and secure configuration.	Keyhole is known for empowering client teams through structured mentoring
Steadforce	1985	Germany	Security by design across the platform engineering value chain, focusing on microservices and Kubernetes	Strong technical foundations with automation and cloud-native tech for early risk mitigation
Arctiq	2003	USA	Secure, scalable, compliance-ready digital platforms transforming operational workflows	Embedding security from DevOps pipelines through to monitored operational environments
Northdoor plc	1987	UK	End-to-end security by design with cloud modernization and data governance	Secure migration strategies, identity governance, and threat mitigation across cloud and hybrid environments
Improving	2007	USA	Holistic platform engineering embedding security across infrastructure, pipelines, and workflows.	Tailored architectures balancing speed, security, and governance as a strategic enabler