At MARSS, we provide specialist Secure by Design (SbD) consultancy to support the delivery of defence and government systems that are secure, compliant, and accreditation-ready from the outset. Our team works with programme leads, system architects, and Security Assurance Coordinators (SACs) to embed security into every phase of the system lifecycle.

Secure by Design (SbD) is a UK Government and MOD-endorsed engineering approach that ensures systems are built with security embedded from inception, not retrofitted as an afterthought. At MARSS, we apply SbD as a foundational principle across all C5I and mission-critical platforms, aligning with the latest MOD and NCSC best practice and guidance to ensure our solutions are not only operationally effective but also accreditation-ready from day one.

Our approach incorporates the full scope of UK Secure by Design practices, including:

• Compliance with JSP 453 (previously JSP 604), JSP 440, and Defence Digital Accreditation Pathways (including CAP and CAAT processes).

• Application of JSP 906 which outlines the Design Principles for the cost effective Acquisition of Capability. It emphasizes existing capability reuse, the use of open standards in solutions to ensure security, innovation, and operational superiority

• Alignment with NCSC Secure System Design Principles, such as threat modelling, segregation of trust domains, and defence-in-depth architecture.

• Delivery of robust RMADS (Risk Management & Accreditation Document Sets) and SyOps as part of the project lifecycle.

• Continuous engagement with Security Assurance Coordinators (SACs), accrediting authorities, and risk owners throughout design, integration, and testing.

Whether we're delivering tactical communications nodes, deployed wireless CIS networks, or multi-domain Mobile Command Units (MCUs), every solution is engineered with security-first architecture, incorporating layered controls, secure identity brokering, and data separation between classifications.

By embedding security at the architectural level and through continuous validation—including external penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments — MARSS ensures our systems meet or exceed the expectations of UK MOD accreditation authorities. Our solutions are field-ready, accreditation-aware, and resilient against evolving cyber threats from the outset.