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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Economy of Mechanism

Saltzer and Schroeder principle that security designs should be as simple and small as possible.

Definition

Economy of mechanism (keep it simple) holds that simpler designs have fewer flaws and are easier to verify and test. Complexity increases the attack surface and the chance of misconfiguration. It is one of the eight classic secure design principles from Saltzer and Schroeder (1975).

Example

A small, well-reviewed authentication module is preferred over a sprawling custom framework.

Exam tip

Complexity is the enemy of security; this principle is tested alongside complete mediation and least privilege.

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