People have a right to privacy, but they also have a right to live. Fundamentally, we need cybersecurity and need to secure communications as well.
Michael HaydenRead
Global security can be formed or threatened by heads of state whose wisdom, folly and obsessions shape global events. But often it is the security practitioners, those rarely in the headlines but whose craft and energy quietly break new ground, who keep us safe or put us in peril.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Heads of state can influence global security, but the true impact often comes from unnoticed security practitioners.
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of security practitioners in maintaining global safety, suggesting that while political leaders are often in the spotlight, it is the dedicated professionals behind the scenes who truly affect our security. Their expertise and commitment can either protect us or expose us to danger, highlighting the importance of recognizing their contributions to global events.
Themes
SecurityLeadershipWisdomProfessionalsGlobal
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of security professionals during a conference.
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American political elites feel very empowered to criticize the American intelligence community for not doing enough when they feel in danger, and as soon as we've made them feel safe again, they feel equally empowered to complain that we're doing too much.
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