Why is complexity considered an enemy of security?

Complexity is seen as an enemy of security primarily because it introduces multiple points of failure and increases the overall attack surface of systems. When systems are overly complex, it becomes challenging to manage, monitor, and defend them effectively. Each additional feature, process, or layer in a system can harbor its own vulnerabilities and may not be as rigorously tested or maintained, increasing the chance of misconfigurations and overlooked security issues. This complexity can also lead to difficulties in applying security patches and updates, as understanding the interdependencies and interactions between various components demands more effort and expertise.

In contrast, simpler systems tend to have fewer points of vulnerability, making them easier to secure. They allow security measures to be applied more consistently and effectively. Thus, recognizing complexity as a threat enables organizations to strive for more streamlined methods and solutions in their security architectures.