Bruce Schneier Quotes & Sayings

“If you think technology can solve your security problems, then you don't understand the problems and you don't understand the technology.”

“There are two types of encryption: one that will prevent your sister from reading your diary and one that will prevent your government.”

“I am regularly asked what the average Internet user can do to ensure his security. My first answer is usually 'Nothing; you're screwed'.”

“Despite fearful rhetoric to the contrary, terrorism is not a transcendent threat. A terrorist attack cannot possibly destroy our country's way of life; it's only our reaction to that attack that can do that kind of damage.”

“When a big company lays you off, they often give you a year's salary to 'go pursue a dream.' If you're stupid, you panic and get another job. If you're smart, you take the money and use the time to figure out what you want to do next.”

“It is poor civic hygiene to install technologies that could someday facilitate a police state.”

“People don't understand computers. Computers are magical boxes that do things. People believe what computers tell them.”

“There's an entire flight simulator hidden in every copy of Microsoft Excel 97.”

“Think of your existing power as the exponent in an equation that determines the value of information. The more power you have, the more additional power you derive from the new data.”

“You can't defend. You can't prevent. The only thing you can do is detect and respond.”