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Phony Laser Security System Proves Perception Is Reality
Hugh Pickens writes writes "Softpedia reports that Global Link Security Solutions are offering a product that doesn't actually do anything to alert an owner of a break-in to their home or business, but it displays "one hell of a laser show in an attempt to scare potential crooks into thinking that they have no chance of breaking in without triggering the alarm." According to the security firm, LaserScan has four lines of protection: a number of lasers that move along the walls and floors (video), an LED which indicates that there's a "link" to a satellite, a beeping alert, and a sticker placed on the front door. Although the company claims that none of their current customers has reported break-ins since the system has been installed, security guru Bruce Schneier highlights that the product only works if the product isn't very widely known."
How is this anything more than a high-tech version of the old "Beware of guard dog" signs?
...as it is not widely known.
Posting it on Slashdot sounds like a great idea. :)
The thing about "security theater", is that it's not 100% useless - it provides a very real psychological deterrent to someone thinking about breaking in.
Even if a criminal knew such a system was not real, they would not know it was not also paired with a real alarm system, or perhaps this version was real somehow. The kind of people breaking into things generally are not that well educated, so how could they really tell if the system was fake or not even knowing fake systems existed?
The problem with security theater in airports is that it causes way too much grief to outweigh the deterrence gained. But in this case there is no downside and the system would be very cheap to install.
True anecdote - when going to a summer college I had a car I had to park in a remote lot. I installed an LED I could turn on with a switch, that just sat there blinking.
The ONE DAY I forgot to turn on that switch, someone broke into my car and took a $10 cassette player (the window cost more than $50 to replace). After that I remembered every time to turn on my "alarm" and never had a problem again.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
And if you were a super criminal that would matter. If, however, you are just out to grab some stuff to sell in order to by some crack then you'll just move onto the next place.
Even if a "good" security system works, it still leaves a broken window, a trashed door, or other damage done by a burglar. I had a vehicle protected with a kill switch rather than a car alarm because I didn't care for the siren noise. It got broken into several times and the steering column opened up. My vehicle was still there when I came back, but it cost a pretty penny to get the broken window fixed, a new ignition switch, etc.
A real security system needs both. Real security that slows down or stops attacks combined with the "oh shit", brown-stain-in-pants, intimidation factor.
It also depends on the criminal. The two barking GSDs in the window may deter a professional thief who makes his money on doing his stuff quietly, but the meth-head will just fire off a few rounds with his 9mm, and score something to take to a fence for another bottle of shake-and-bake.
Personally, I'd take the laser system. Combined with a real alarm and in-depth security like sturdy, locking hall and bedroom doors, it will keep a good number of potential burglars at bay.
Security by Obscurity.
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and... real criminals are not always that smart and get their working knowledge of security systems from Hollywood movies.
I'm willing to bet real money that if you took a sampling of 1000 prisoners (guilty of robbery) and showed them the video, 990 would believe it was a real laser security system.
If the criminal was sophisticated enough to know better, chances are they would walk into the place in broad daylight and use social engineering instead.
Now, if you *really* wanted to fuck with the criminals you would also install the infrared lasers and have a really big mean fucking dog set to be loose once the lasers were tripped.... and have a cage slam down in the front preventing escape.
Or just a high quality sample of a pump-action shotgun getting cycled, which is the international signal for "you're in a whole heap 'o trouble, son!" :-)