Minimal Safety
Minimal Safety is a software development methodology that emphasizes implementing the bare minimum security measures necessary to protect a system, focusing on simplicity and avoiding over-engineering. It prioritizes core security principles like input validation, authentication, and data encryption while discouraging unnecessary complexity that could introduce vulnerabilities. The approach aims to balance security with development speed and maintainability by targeting essential protections based on risk assessment.
Developers should learn Minimal Safety when building applications where rapid iteration is critical, such as startups or prototypes, to avoid security overhead that slows development without proportional benefit. It's useful in low-risk environments or when resources are limited, as it helps focus efforts on the most impactful security controls like preventing SQL injection or cross-site scripting. This methodology is particularly relevant for teams adopting agile or DevOps practices that require continuous delivery without compromising basic security hygiene.