are not secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks safety or protection, often in contexts related to data, systems, or physical environments. Example: "The current network protocols are not secure, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to attacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Millions of people have their Social Security numbers floating around on millions of computers, many of which are not secure.

Los Angeles Times

Salaries to public employees are not secure.

The Economist

You are not secure here.

The Washington Post

USB flash drives are convenient, but they are not secure.

Stanford University

Survivors are not safe if services are not secure.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this paper, we show that the modified schemes proposed by Chen are not secure.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Both protocols are not secure against shoulder surfing, camera-based recording and phishing attacks.

Journal of Information Security and Applications

The struggle over power and the fiscal deficit suggest that even the foundations are not secure.

The Economist

As many a schoolboy has discovered to his embarrassment, cyclical-shift substitution ciphers are not secure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Private loans are not secured by the federal government.

The New York Times

Most places that offer free internet access are not secured.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital security, specify the type of threat or vulnerability. For example, instead of saying "passwords are not secure", specify "passwords are not secure against brute-force attacks".

Common error

Avoid using "are not secure" as a blanket statement without providing context. Instead, specify what is not secure and why. This adds clarity and avoids misleading implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not secure" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as lacking security. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show its application to various subjects, from networks to personal feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not secure" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of safety or protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to specify what lacks security and why, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "lack security" or "are vulnerable" can offer nuanced meanings. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources highlight its reliability and importance in conveying potential risks and vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack security

Emphasizes the absence of security measures.

are unsafe

Focuses on the presence of danger or risk.

are vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to harm or attack.

are at risk

Indicates potential exposure to negative consequences.

are unprotected

Stresses the absence of a protective barrier or system.

are exposed

Implies openness to external threats or influences.

are defenseless

Highlights the inability to resist attack.

are unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

are precarious

Suggests instability and potential for collapse.

present a security risk

Shifts the focus to the risk posed rather than the state of being unsecure

FAQs

How can I use "are not secure" in a sentence?

You can use "are not secure" to describe systems, data, or environments that lack adequate protection against threats. For example, "Wireless networks without encryption "are not secure" and can be easily compromised".

What can I say instead of "are not secure"?

Alternatives include "lack security", "are vulnerable", or "are at risk" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "are not secure" or "are insecure"?

Both "are not secure" and "are insecure" are grammatically correct. However, "are not secure" is often preferred in formal contexts, while "are insecure" might be more common in informal settings. They both express a lack of safety or protection.

What's the difference between "are not secure" and "are not protected"?

"Are not secure" generally refers to a broader lack of safety measures, while "are not protected" specifically implies the absence of a protective barrier or system. For example, "The data "are not secure" because the servers "are not protected" by a firewall".