Six decision gates
The principles below guide the work. Each gate names the required record and a stop condition. This sequence is a proposed design; no pilot outcomes are presented here.
- 01 / GATE
Scope
Documented purpose, owner, assets, and permission.
Ambiguous scope: stop.
- 02 / GATE
Observe
Read-only first; a minimal record within granted privileges.
Unexpected access: halt.
- 03 / GATE
Trace
Source, context, and uncertainty linked to each hypothesis.
Missing source: withhold conclusions.
- 04 / GATE
Review
Human assessment of evidence, limits, and alternatives.
Insufficient evidence: reopen the question.
- 05 / GATE
Authorize
Specific permission for a bounded, reversible change.
No approval: no action.
- 06 / GATE
Return
A rollback plan and test criterion defined before action.
No way back: do not proceed.
Stopping is also a decision. Ambiguous scope, insufficient evidence, or unexpected access call for a pause and review before proceeding.
From source to decision
A useful observation needs context. The design proposes recording the source, date, permitted scope, observation, and its limits. Separating observation from hypothesis helps a person review the reasoning.
Provenance does not require unlimited collection: record only what is necessary and avoid copying sensitive information. A conclusion should be traceable to its basis without increasing exposure.
The first focus: healthcare
We are preparing a healthcare security pilot methodology. The initial design begins without patient data, production access, or autonomous fixes.
The team's experience in healthcare contexts helps shape the questions. That experience does not replace scope, authorization, or technical review.
Before any action
The design requires a responsible human, specific authorization, a bounded change, and a rollback plan. No stage implicitly grants permission for the next.
Read the security boundaries