You should have mechanisms of communication, like faxes, which

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Mikko Hypponen, a Finnish computer security expert, known for his work with F-Secure, a leading cybersecurity company.

“You should have mechanisms of communication, like faxes, which are obviously getting removed from offices because nobody uses them anymore. Faxes are great when e-mail doesn't work. I wouldn't be throwing them away.”
— Mikko Hypponen

Context and Background

Mikko Hypponen made this comment during discussions on technology, cybersecurity, and communication. As a security expert, Hypponen has often emphasized resilience in the face of technology failures. He points out the irony that older technologies like fax machines— once seen as outdated— still have utility in certain situations, especially when modern systems like email fail or become compromised. His remark reflects the importance of backup communication methods in critical environments.

Interpretation

• “Mechanisms of communication, like faxes” — Hypponen suggests that it’s important to keep diverse methods of communication in place, even if newer technologies dominate.

• “Faxes are great when e-mail doesn't work” — faxes offer a reliable fallback when digital methods fail, particularly in environments where business continuity is vital.

• “I wouldn’t be throwing them away” — emphasizes the value of having redundant systems, even if they seem outdated, in order to prepare for unexpected disruptions.

Summary

Mikko Hypponen’s quote underscores a key principle in technology resilience: that older, less trendy technologies can still serve important functions when newer systems fail. It’s a pragmatic approach to communication, suggesting that backup solutions, even if rarely used, remain valuable assets in modern business environments.