Cybersecurity

The Illusion Of Perfect Cybersecurity

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” – Helen Keller

One of my employees has a theory. The lock on your front door or the padlock on your locker isn’t actually a lock -- it’s a social contract. When you walk up to a door, the lock there is a little reminder from the owner that the stuff inside is his, and he would like you to leave that stuff alone.

We know in the physical world that locks aren’t perfect security. A padlock can easily be picked, shimmed or cut within seconds. Yet our society functions as though we believe our lockers, cars and homes are secure. A door can be taken off the hinges. You can break a window open. There hasn’t ever been a lock that couldn’t be picked. Almost.