04/30/2005

In his lated book, Beyond Fear, security guru Bruce Schneier goes beyond cryptography and network security to challenge our post-9/11 national security practices. Here are some quotes:

“We’re seeing so much nonsense after 9/11, and so many people are saying things about security, about terrorism, that just makes no sense.”

“Homeland security measures are an enormous waste of money.”

“If the goal of security is to protect against yesterday’s attacks, we’re really good at it.”

“More people are killed every year by pigs than by sharks, which shows you how good we are at evaluating risk.”

“Did you ever wonder why tweezers are confiscated at security checkpoints, but matches and cigarette lighters– actual combustible materials– are not? If the tweezers lobby had more power, I’m sure they would be allowed on board as well.”

“When the U.S. Government says that security against terrorism is worth curtailing individual civil liberties, it’s because the cost of that decision is not borne by those making it.”

“People make bad security trade-offs when they’re scared.”

Amen, brother!