Form Follows Function. Security Follows Form.

In the world of security, we often hear phrases like "security through obscurity" or "layers of defense", but what if the real strength lies in something simpler? What if, instead of hiding vulnerabilities behind layers of complexity, the strongest security systems are built on the clarity of their form?

The phrase "Form Follows Function" originates from modernist design and architecture. It suggests that the shape or appearance of an object should be determined by its purpose. In other words, the design is dictated by what the object is meant to do, not by some arbitrary aesthetic. The function drives the form, and the end result is a solution that’s both functional and beautiful in its efficiency.

But what does this have to do with security?

Security as a Natural Extension of Design

When we apply this principle to the realm of security, it becomes clear that security shouldn’t be a patchwork of convoluted, over-engineered solutions. It should be an organic part of the system’s design: clear, visible, and purposeful. Just as an architect wouldn’t build a fragile structure and then try to hide its weaknesses with decorative elements, a secure system must embrace its defenses as core components of its design, not afterthoughts.

Security Follows Form: If a system is clear, transparent, and logically designed, its security will naturally follow. When the architecture of a system is straightforward and coherent, security becomes a seamless, integral part of it. Complexity doesn’t create strength; it invites risk. By embracing simplicity, you create a structure that is inherently secure.

Why Complexity is a Vulnerability

In the world of security, complexity often arises from adding layers of protection - cryptography, firewalls, access controls - without addressing the underlying design. While these layers might seem like additional safeguards, they can create blind spots, opportunities for misconfiguration, and greater attack surfaces. Worse, complexity can obscure the very flaws that attackers are looking for.

By stripping away unnecessary layers and focusing on the fundamentals of clear, purpose-driven design, we create a stronger foundation. Each part of the system serves a defined purpose, and every interaction is deliberate, transparent, and fortified against attack.

The Brutalist Approach to Security

This approach follows the principles of Security Brutalism: embracing raw, unembellished design that places form and function at the forefront. In a world where sleek, user-friendly interfaces are prioritized, Brutalist Security celebrates bold, honest design, where every interface, control, and mechanism is visible, deliberate, and secure by structure.

When security follows form, it becomes part of the architecture, not a hidden or tacked-on feature. A secure system isn’t something to hide; it’s something to show, clearly and without hesitation. It’s an approach that demands transparency, because transparency is the strongest defense.

In Short

Security doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. It doesn’t need to hide behind layers or rely on obscurity. When form follows function, security follows form. Simple, clear, and logical design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it’s also the foundation of a robust, resilient system.

When we rethink the way we approach security and focus on simplicity, we can build systems that are not only secure but inherently strong. The architecture of security should be as bold, as raw, and as purposeful as the structures we seek to protect. Brutalist "secure by design" means security did followed form, resulting in an exposed and transparent integration with core system requirements – the embodiment of Brutalist Security design.