7 Things Security Professionals Can Learn from Robin Williams

7 Things Security Professionals Can Learn from Robin Williams

7 Things Security Professionals Can Learn from Robin WilliamsWe have been forced to say our “good-byes” to actor Robin Williams. As one of my most favorite actors, I have been reflecting back on all of his movies, replaying some quotes in my head. There are some awesome things that security professionals can learn from him.

  1. “That’s why you treat a disease, you win, you lose.” – Patch Adams
  2. Never devalue human life. At the end of the day, isn’t that what security is all about? Protecting humanity.

  3. “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.” – Dead Poet’s Society
  4. Seek a fresh perspective. As a security integrator, remember, it’s your job to give your client a fresh perspective. Each and every client presents a unique opportunity to incorporate a barrage of awesome security technology offered within the industry. Strive to give your clients the fresh perspective they are looking for to achieve their security goals.

  5. “You’ll have a bad time, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” – Good Will Hunting
  6. Find the good in each situation. Every time there is a security issue, there is plenty of bad; however, with all bad, there is good. For example, we will never forget the Sandy Hook tragedy, when a man opened fire in an elementary school. That terrible tragedy forever changed our nation. So, where’s the good?

    People from all over the world wrote letters of love, care and concern; therapy dogs came to help the children; and the list of good goes on and on.

  7. “A man is not very tired. He is exhausted. And don’t use very sad. Use…morose!” – Dead Poet’s Society
  8. Don’t be lazy. Now is the time to embrace security. Don’t wait until some tragedy strikes. Be alert, ready and take action immediately. As a security professional, you hold the tools in the palm of your hands. Use them.

  9. “You must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all.” – Dead Poet’s Society
  10. Be proactive. Anticipate security issues before they occur to better prepare for a quick solution and a positive outcome.

  11. “Touch me again and I’ll drown you…” - Mrs. Doubtfire
  12. Protect your personal space. Always know what’s going on around you by interpreting your environment, determining if you are safe or in danger and then reacting appropriately, better known as situational awareness.

  13. “Why can’t we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity and decency…” – Patch Adams
  14. Embrace the inevitable. It’s fortunate and unfortunate that there will always be a need for security measures: Unfortunate because of all the evil in the world; fortunate because people can embrace this industry as a career to help make our world safer.

(Image: Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.