Introduction To a Brutalist Security Program

A brutalist approach to security is direct, uncompromising, and focused on function over convenience. It prioritizes strong, enforceable controls and clear visibility over user experience or elegance. It draws inspiration from brutalist architecture: simple, raw, unadorned, and built to last in a VUCA world.

Here's a way to break it down so it makes sense to both technical and non-technical leaders:

Rationale: Why Go Brutalist with Security?

The Problem Today:

• Many security programs are overly complex, fragile, and reactive.
• They prioritize user experience and speed of development over foundational security.
• Breaches often result from basic issues (e.g., poor access control, misconfigured cloud storage).

The Brutalist Answer:

• Minimalism with maximum impact.
• Build security from the ground up using fundamental principles.
• Accept some inconvenience in the name of long-term resilience.
• Focus on clarity, enforcement, and durability, not on complexity.

Back or Next: Security Brutalism Program High-Level Overview.