Skip to content

If an adversary didn't target our power plants but they…

“If an adversary didn't target our power plants but they did target the core routers, the backbones that tie our internet connections together, entire parts of the United States could be cut off. That would have a tremendous impact on us as a society and it would have a policy backlash.” quote by Edward Snowden
Download Open image
“If an adversary didn't target our power plants but they did target the core routers, the backbones that tie our internet connections together, entire parts of the United States could be cut off. That would have a tremendous impact on us as a society and it would have a policy backlash.”

Edward Snowden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Targeting core internet infrastructure could cripple national communication, causing societal disruption and political fallout.

In simple terms: Infrastructure attacks cause societal and political damage.

Key Takeaway

Critical network nodes are strategic vulnerabilities.

Themes

Cybersecurity Infrastructure National Security Policy Resilience

Mood

Urgent Foreboding

Type

Warning Policy insight

When to use this quote

  • Government emergency response
  • Corporate risk assessment
  • Public policy debate
  • Infrastructure planning

Key Concepts

Internet backbone Power grids Adversarial targeting Societal impact

Practical Applications

  • Designing redundant routing
  • Developing cyber‑defense strategies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies mitigate single‑point failures?
  • What policies balance security and openness?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Edward Snowden

Explore all 478 Edward Snowden quotes

More Adversaries quotes

Browse all 446 Adversaries quotes