People are mostly focused on defending the computers on the Internet, and there's been surprisingly little attention to defending the Internet itself as a communications medium.

W. Daniel Hillis’ quote addresses an important issue in the realm of cybersecurity and communications. He points out that while a significant amount of attention is given to defending computers and systems on the Internet from threats like hackers and malware, there has been surprisingly little focus on protecting the Internet itself as a communications medium. Hillis suggests that the infrastructure that makes the Internet function—such as networks, data transmission, and protocols—deserves more attention, as threats to this core system can have far-reaching consequences on global communication and commerce.

The quote underscores the idea that cybersecurity efforts often focus on individual devices or applications, like personal computers, without fully addressing the larger, more fundamental issue of protecting the Internet’s infrastructure. By defending computers alone, the system as a whole remains vulnerable to attacks that can disrupt communication or damage the global network. Hillis is emphasizing the need for broader, more systemic protection that ensures the Internet remains a reliable, secure platform for everyone.

Hillis’ concern points to the increasingly critical role the Internet plays in almost every aspect of modern life, from business to education to personal communication. As we become more dependent on digital communication, safeguarding the very channels through which information flows becomes crucial. Hillis suggests that by focusing too narrowly on individual devices or applications, we overlook the bigger picture—protecting the infrastructure that makes all of this possible.

W. Daniel Hillis, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, is known for his work on parallel computing and his contributions to networked systems. His quote likely arises from his understanding of the broader challenges involved in maintaining a secure and resilient Internet. Hillis' perspective highlights the importance of long-term, strategic thinking in cybersecurity, ensuring that the Internet itself remains protected as a global communications tool, rather than just the endpoints like individual computers.