Thinking About Security, the Security Brutalist Way

Security isn’t a product you buy or a checklist you finish. It’s a mindset — but not the kind polished by branding decks or policy templates. The Security Brutalist mindset is raw, honest, and uncomfortable. It doesn’t seek elegance. It seeks truth.

Here’s what that may look like in practice.

1. Assume It’s Already Broken

Don’t ask if something will break. Assume it already has — and design around that. Log relentlessly. Eliminate reliance on trust—because trust breaks easily.

2. Strip It Down

If you don’t understand it, you can’t secure it. Cut out tools you can’t audit. Minimize dependencies. Remove complexity wherever possible — even if it’s unpopular.

3. Surface the Ugly Stuff

Security Brutalism doesn’t hide flaws behind user-friendly dashboards or good vibes. If there’s a problem, expose it. Write it down. Share it. Fix it or contain it — but don’t pretend it’s fine.

4. Security Theater Dies Here

If a control exists just to look secure, kill it. Make every control do real work. If it doesn’t measurably reduce risk, it’s noise.

5. Talk in Plain Language

Forget the acronyms. Forget the fluff. Security should be something your team understands — not something they fear or ignore.

To Close

The brutalist approach is harsh. It’s not for show. It’s not easy. But it works.

You have to focus on the fundamentals. Anything else is just dead weight.