Cyber security is extremely important, especially in the times we live in. I did study a bit of Internet and information security back at university about 12 years ago, as a part of my Computer Science degree, but most of that knowledge is outdated probably. So, to be sure, recently I took a couple of courses on Udemy, that really opened my eyes and made me a better teacher, because now I can teach my students about the most modern cyber threats and ways to secure your life, sensitive info and data. While doing these cyber security courses I mentioned, I stumbled upon many quotes by famous people in these fields. I’ll share 15 of them with you now, and I hope they inspire you as much as they inspired me. 

1. “The only truly secure system is one that is powered off, cast in a block of concrete, and sealed in a lead-lined room with armed guards.” – Gene Spafford, a renowned computer scientist and cybersecurity expert known for his work in software engineering and computer security
2. “Privacy is dead, and social media holds the smoking gun.” – Pete Cashmore, the founder and CEO of a digital media website, known for his insights into the intersection of technology and society
3. “In cybersecurity, the more systems we secure, the more we encourage hackers to outsmart us.” – Dan Kaminsky, a cybersecurity researcher and chief scientist, known for his work in computer security, cryptography, and DNS (Domain Name System)
4. “Companies spend millions of dollars on firewalls, encryption, and secure access devices, and its money wasted; none of these measures address the weakest link in the security chain.” – Kevin Mitnick, “The most famous hacker in the world”
5. “The only thing that can stop a bad guy with a computer is a good guy with a computer.” – Mark Burnett, a cybersecurity expert and author known for his work in password security and network protection
6. “Hackers are now breaking the systems for profit. Before, it was about intellectual curiosity and pursuit of knowledge and thrill.” – Kevin Mitnick, as mentioned earlier, known for his insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and motivations.
7. “If you spend more on coffee than on IT security, you will be hacked. What’s more, you deserve to be hacked.” – Richard Clarke, a former national security official and cybersecurity expert, known for his insights into the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures
8. “Security is not a product, but a process.” – Bruce Schneier, a prominent security technologist, author, and cryptographer, known for his expertise in cryptography and security protocols
9. “There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those who don’t know they have been hacked.” – John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco Systems, highlighting the prevalence of cyber attacks and the importance of cybersecurity preparedness for organizations
10. “Cybersecurity is a race between the good guys and the bad guys, and we’re all in the race together.” – Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, highlighting the ongoing battle between cyber defenders and attackers
11. “The weakest link in the security chain is the human element.” – Kevin Mitnick, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity awareness and education among individuals to mitigate risks.
12. “Every time you type a password into a computer, you’re relying on the security of someone else’s code.” – Avi Rubin, a computer scientist and cybersecurity expert, reminding users of the inherent trust placed in software systems and the importance of rigorous security testing
13. “The best way to secure your system is to assume it’s going to be breached.” – Bruce Schneier, advocating for a proactive approach to cybersecurity that anticipates and mitigates potential breaches rather than relying solely on prevention
14. “Cybersecurity is not just about protecting your devices and data, it’s about protecting your way of life.” – Barack Obama, former President of the United States, highlighting the broader implications of cybersecurity for individuals, societies, and economies
15. “The most dangerous phrase in the language of cybersecurity is ‘we’ve always done it this way.'” – Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and naval officer, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation in cybersecurity strategies

If you like those quotes, you can download them as a PDF I created. I used those wise words and turned them into posters that you can print and use in some of the following ways:

• Displaying on empty walls that need a bit of decor
• Classroom bulletin boards
• Offices / Staff lounges / Free time areas around the school
• Printed as cards and gifted to students or friends

This is the FREEBIE PDF file, feel free to download it from the link below 😊

I would love it if you snapped a picture of this freebie in use and sent it to me 😊 – hanging on some wall at your school/classroom/computer lab, or as part of a great bulletin board you or your students created 😊