As security or firewall administrators, we've got…
![“As security or firewall administrators, we've got basically the same concerns [as plumbers]: the size of the pipe, the contents of the pipe, making sure the correct traffic is in the correct pipes, and keeping the pipes from splitting and leaking all over the place. Of course, like plumbers, when…” quote by Marcus J. Ranum](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/b27/marcus-j-ranum-83946_administrators_as-security-or-firewall-administrators-w_2851706.jpg)
“As security or firewall administrators, we've got basically the same concerns [as plumbers]: the size of the pipe, the contents of the pipe, making sure the correct traffic is in the correct pipes, and keeping the pipes from splitting and leaking all over the place. Of course, like plumbers, when the pipes do leak, we're the ones responsible for cleaning up the mess, and we're the ones who come up smelling awful...”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Security work mirrors plumbing: both manage flow, prevent leaks, and fix damage when it occurs.
In simple terms: Security is about controlling data flow and fixing breaches.
Key Takeaway
Treat data pipelines like pipes: monitor, seal, and repair.
Themes
security
maintenance
responsibility
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
technical
advisory
When to use this quote
- network administration
- incident response
- data protection
- infrastructure planning
Key Concepts
risk management
system design
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure all “pipes” are secure?
- What processes help you respond quickly to leaks?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems can have hidden vulnerabilities that are hard to detect.