Minimalist Brutalist Security Program

Ron P. asked: What are the most basic and essential things you can focus on to ensure strong security, following the brutalist approach? How would you use them to create a security strategy? Or, can you use them?

Thank you for the question. Here's your answer with a simplified version of a Brutalist Security program — stripped to the essentials, each one doing real work. These essentials serve as a tool to evaluate your current security posture, identify any missing fundamentals, simplify an overly complex security setup, or build a strong foundation from scratch.

The Basics

1. Minimize Attack Surface

Keep a full asset inventory, remove anything unnecessary, and harden what remains. The less there is to attack, the less you have to defend.

2. Strong Identity and Access Management

Default to no access, grant access only when needed and only as much as needed, lock down admin accounts, and enforce zero trust and network segmentation. Trust nothing. Least privilege = least damage.

3. Data Security

Classify, encrypt, and control access to sensitive data. Make sure backups are tested, protected, and restorable. Data is the target. Protect it like it matters — because it does.

4. Patch and Vulnerability Management

Scan constantly and patch fast. Eliminate unsupported software. Known bugs are easy wins for attackers. Don’t give them that.

5. Incident Response

Have a simple, practiced plan, and know how to detect, contain, and recover. You will be attacked. Prepared beats panic.

6. Continuous Assessment

Regularly scan, test, clean up, and re-check. Adapt. Remove what’s no longer needed. Continuous improvement always: Security is a process, not a product.

Summary

Strip it down. Lock it down. Test it often. Trust nothing. That’s the brutalist approach — simple, strong, and survivable.

Here are examples of clean, actionable Security Strategy and General Security Policy, aligned with the Brutalist Security approach listed above: minimal, practical, and unambiguous — the kind you can actually enforce.

Security Strategy: Brutalist Approach

For a full strategy check "A Security Brutalist Strategy."

Objective:

Protect organizational systems, data, and users through minimal, hardened, and clearly defined security controls. Eliminate unnecessary complexity, reduce attack surface, and enforce strict access and operational discipline.

Strategic Principles

1. Minimize Attack Surface

• Maintain complete, up-to-date asset inventory.
• Remove unused services, accounts, and dependencies.
• Harden systems and configurations.
• Enforce "secure by default."

2. Identity and Access Control (Zero Trust)

• Default deny: no access unless explicitly required.
• Enforce least privilege with tightly scoped permissions.
• Multi-factor authentication required for all access.
• Admin access must be rare, time-bound, and logged.
• Use network segmentation to isolate critical systems.

3. Data Security

• Limit data access by role and necessity.
• Backups must be tested and stored securely.

4. Patch and Vulnerability Management

• Patch all systems promptly.
• Monitor for vulnerabilities continuously.
• Remove or replace unsupported software.

5. Incident Response Preparedness

• Maintain a tested incident response plan.
• Define roles, communication paths, and escalation flows.
• Conduct regular tabletop, technical exercises, and red team assessments.

6. Continuous Assessment

• Regular audits, vulnerability scans, and access reviews.
• Remove outdated accounts, systems, and data.
• Measure and improve based on findings.

General Security Policy

Purpose

To define the core security rules every user, system, and administrator must follow to protect the organization’s assets, in line with a minimalist, high-discipline security posture.

Scope

Applies to all employees, contractors, and systems within the organization.

Policy Statements

Access Control

• Access to systems and data is granted on a "need-to-know" basis only.
• All access must be authenticated and logged.
• Use of shared credentials is strictly prohibited.

Device & System Management

• All systems must be approved, inventoried, and regularly updated.
• No unauthorized hardware, software, or services may be connected.
• Devices must be hardened and use endpoint protection.

Password & Authentication

• Strong passwords required; MFA must be used wherever supported.
• Passwords must not be reused or stored in plaintext.
• Admin privileges require approval and justification.

Data Handling

• Sensitive data must be encrypted and accessed only by authorized users.
• No sensitive data may be stored on personal or unmanaged devices.
• Data backups must be secure and tested regularly.

Software & Updates

• Only approved and supported software may be installed.
• All systems must be patched regularly — high-risk vulnerabilities addressed immediately.
• No use of software beyond end-of-life.

Monitoring & Logging

• All critical systems must generate logs.
• Logs must be collected, stored securely, and reviewed periodically.
• Tampering with logs or monitoring systems is a violation.

Incident Response

• All security incidents must be reported immediately to the security team.
• Do not attempt to cover up, alter, or delay reporting an incident.
• Follow the incident response plan as instructed.

Physical Security

• Unauthorized physical access to systems or data centers is prohibited.
• Devices must be locked when unattended.

Violations

Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, legal action, or revocation of system access.