You are tasked with conducting a threat modeling session with a customer who insists on deploying a new application immediately, despite identified security risks. Using STRIDE, explain how you would address their concerns while ensuring security is not compromised.
Interview
How to structure your answer
Using STRIDE, I would first identify and categorize threats (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege) to prioritize risks. I’d empathize with the customer’s urgency but explain how immediate mitigations—like input validation for Tampering, encryption for Information Disclosure, or rate limiting for Denial of Service—can reduce exposure. I’d propose a phased deployment: secure the core application first, then address secondary risks post-launch. This balances speed with security, ensuring the customer’s goals are met without compromising safety.
Sample answer
I understand your need to deploy quickly, but rushing without addressing security risks could expose your application to breaches. Let’s use STRIDE to identify critical threats. For example, Spoofing could be mitigated with multi-factor authentication, while Tampering risks can be reduced with input validation and output encoding. Information Disclosure risks, like unencrypted data, can be addressed with TLS. I’ll prioritize immediate fixes—such as securing authentication and encrypting sensitive data—before deployment. For Denial of Service, we’ll implement rate limiting. Post-launch, we’ll monitor for Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities and refine controls. This phased approach ensures security is integrated without delaying your timeline. By addressing high-impact risks first, we minimize exposure while allowing you to meet business goals. Let’s collaborate on a plan that protects your application and aligns with your deadlines.
Key points to mention
- • STRIDE framework components (Spoofing, Tampering, etc.)
- • Risk prioritization based on impact and likelihood
- • Balancing urgency with security through phased mitigations
Common mistakes to avoid
- âś— Ignoring STRIDE's full methodology
- âś— Failing to propose actionable mitigations
- âś— Overlooking communication with stakeholders