The Ten Principles

1. Good Security is Invisible

Security should be seamlessly integrated into the design. The best security measures are those you don’t need to notice, because they just work. The user shouldn’t have to think about security—it should be natural.

2. Function Defines Form

A system’s design is driven by its purpose. Security mechanisms should not be an afterthought. Every security layer must follow from a system’s core functions, rather than being retrofitted or layered on for convenience. Form follows function, security follows form.

3. Simplicity is Security

Complexity introduces risk. Simple, clear structures minimize opportunities for vulnerabilities. Strive for minimalism—not just in appearance but in how systems operate and how security is enforced.

4. Honest Design is Secure Design

True security doesn’t rely on tricks or hidden features. Every decision should be open, deliberate, and transparent. Obscurity is never security; vulnerability is hidden behind unnecessary complexity.

5. System Design is a Reflection of Trust

When you design a system, you build trust. Trust isn’t granted by fancy encryption algorithms alone—it is earned through clear design choices, transparency, and consistent behavior. Secure systems are predictable.

6. Prioritize Usability in Security

Security features should be user-centric. They should support and reinforce the user’s experience, not hinder it. This means that clear access controls and understandable permissions should be intuitive, not a burden.

7. Form and Function Work in Tandem

A beautiful design is as functional as it is visually clear. In security, form and function are intertwined. A system’s design should make its security measures obvious, not obscure. Every feature serves both a functional and protective role.

8. Unnecessary Features Compromise Security

Every feature, whether visible or hidden, should have a clear purpose. Redundant functions create opportunities for attack. Eliminate excess. Fewer features, designed with intent, provide greater security.

9. Security Should Evolve, Not Disrupt

Good design adapts. Security mechanisms must evolve to meet new challenges without disrupting the core experience. Don’t build walls—create adaptable defenses that scale with the system, ensuring its resilience against both change and attack.

10. Strong Systems Are Built from the Ground Up

Security is not an addition—it is the foundation. Every component of a system, from hardware to software, should be designed with security as an inherent feature, not something added on after the fact.