Slashdot Mirror
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 product only works if the product isn't very widely known - lol.
Real alarms use infralasers.
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 $50 to replace). After that I remembered every time to turn on my "alarm" and never had a problem again.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Every good security tech will suggest adding similar measures-- Security signs, dummy cameras, NRA member stickers, fake dog bark noises, even putting a huge dog bowl on the back porch. Just being a little harder target than the guy down the street helps. Criminals are usually not bright enough to figure out which threats are real or imagined.
And if you were a super criminal that would matter. If, however, you are just out to grab some stuff to sell in order to by some crack then you'll just move onto the next place.
It's all fun and games until your cat dies of exhaustion.
By publicizing this system even after well-known security expert Bruce Schneier "highlights that the product only works if the product isn't very widely known", Slashdot is clearly guilty of attempting to aid and abet burglars. Cybercrime charges for samzenpus!
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
The product also works if there is a similar product that actually triggers an alarm but is indistinguishable from the fake security system.
I can vouch that my house is 99.9% as safe now with the ADT sign and all of the equipment installed and turned on, but without monitoring as it was when I was paying for monitoring. I might even have continued paying for monitoring if the Fire Department hadn't threatened to start charging me for the numerous false alarms caused by ADTs crappy and yet somehow expensive hardware.
If you are not allowed to question your government then the government has answered your question.
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!" :-)
Or they'd just say "fuck it", walk into the place in broad daylight wearing a ski mask and carrying a rifle, grab what he wants.
That's why you keepold ladies with guns running the place.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
I bought a fake "security camera" for $12, just has a blinking red LED, no other real electronics... and mounted it on a pole peeking above my fence on our dead end.
Instant effects. No more people parking to have sex or eat McDonald's and throw the trash on my lawn, no more people stealing flowers or attempting to hide in my property, even the neighbors are paranoid about the "surveillance."
Most people don't understand the difference between their web browser and the file manager.
Unless you're in a very rich neighborhood which attracts high-end catburglars out of the movies, the presence of a few strange boxes with red lights is more than enough to make them go away.
This space available.
Hack up you 'big mouth billy bass' to make the pumping shotgun noise. Brown stains leading out of house.
John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
Most of the criminals to be deterred are not reading slashdot. If they are a criminal reading slashdot they are too busy using their Arduinos to open hotel doors.
It's all fun and games until your cat dies of exhaustion. Posted by: Kahomono at August 17, 2012 7:18 AM