The statement “Complexity is the enemy of security” reflects a fundamental truth: as systems grow more complex, they become harder to manage, understand, and secure.

At MountNex, we’ve seen this firsthand and want to share our insights—and facts—to help businesses navigate this challenge:

1. Increased Attack Surface

Insight: Every added feature or integration creates new vulnerabilities.

Fact: Misconfigured cloud services are the #1 initial attack vector in breaches, often due to multi-cloud complexity (IBM Security, 2023).

2. Harder to Detect and Respond to Threats

Insight: Complexity hides malicious activity, giving attackers the upper hand.

Fact: The average dwell time for cyber threats is 21 days—attackers exploit complex IT infrastructures to avoid detection (Mandiant, 2022).

3. Configuration Errors

Insight: The more intricate the system, the greater the risk of human error.

Fact: 82% of breaches involve a human element, often stemming from misconfigurations (Verizon DBIR, 2023).

4. Delayed Patching and Updates

Insight: Interdependencies in systems often delay critical patches.

Fact: 60% of breaches involve unpatched vulnerabilities (Tenable, 2023).

5. Cascading Failures

Insight: One weak link can disrupt the entire system.

Fact: The SolarWinds attack in 2020 demonstrated how interdependencies can amplify a breach, impacting thousands of organisations.

6. Cost and Resource Strain

Insight: Complex systems demand more time, money, and people to secure.

Fact: Gartner predicts 40% of cybersecurity budgets will focus on tool consolidation by 2025 to counter inefficiencies.

How Do You Fight Complexity?

1. Simplify Architectures: Shift to a “zero trust” model and streamline interconnections.

2. Consolidate Tools: Many enterprises operate 40+ tools—integrated platforms reduce this sprawl.

3. Automate Smartly: AI can identify and address vulnerabilities, augmenting your team (not replacing them).

4. Educate Teams: Engaged teams make fewer mistakes and handle complexity better.

Final Thought

Complexity might come from innovation—or even hard selling—but simplicity remains the bedrock of strong security. NIST have a deeply informative guide, here. By focusing on streamlined architectures and operational clarity, organisations can mitigate risks and strengthen defences.