We Are All Security Consumers

Bruce Schneier says:

This essay of mine argues that the correct way to evaluate security countermeasures is as consumers: is the security you're getting worth what you're giving up to get it.

From the essay: The invasion of Iraq, for example, is presented as an important move for national security. It may be true, but it's only half of the argument. Invading Iraq has cost the United States enormously. The monetary bill is more than $100 billion, and the cost is still rising. The cost in American lives is more than 600, and the number is still rising. The cost in world opinion is considerable. There's a question that needs to be addressed: "Was this the best way to spend all of that? As security consumers, did we get the most security we could have for that $100 billion, those lives, and those other things?"

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