Cybersecurity Quote by Donald A. Norman
““Make something too secure, and it becomes less secure.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things, 1988
Over‑securing a system creates vulnerabilities, as rigidity invites exploitation and failure.
In simple terms: Too much security weakens safety.
Key Takeaway
Design flexibility and resilience, not just locks.
Themes
security
design
vulnerability
resilience
systems
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
cautious
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- software development
- physical product design
- policy making
- organizational strategy
Key Concepts
risk management
human factors
trust
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance of security and usability is optimal?
- How can designs adapt to unforeseen threats?
A Different Perspective
Security measures can be bypassed; human error remains a factor.
![“Hypertext makes a virtue out of lack of organization, allowing ideas and thoughts to be juxtaposed at will. [...] The advent of hypertext is apt to make writing much more difficult, not easier. Good writing, that is.” quote by Donald A. Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/662/donald-a-norman-6862_advent_hypertext-makes-a-virtue-out-of-lack-of_51804.jpg)
