Security measures which are just to show-off security and which does not provide any real security are called security theatre. The problem with security theatre is that it will give you a false sense of security and at the same time, do nothing to increase your security. Worse, they may reduce your security. Here are the examples:
1) Fake TV
FakeTV accurately simulates the light output of a real television. The effect of scene changes, fades, swells, flicks, on-screen motion, and color changes look just they came from a real TV. From outside the house, it looks just like someone is watching a real television. The potential burglar thinks the home must be occupied, so he moves on to an easier target.
Here is a tip for burglars: Get a list of people who bought Fake TV. Most probably they will be away from home frequently. You know what to do next.
2) Liquid Ban
Reuters reports that all public swimming pools in Olympic co-host city Shanghai will check shampoos, body wash and other liquids before allowing entry to guard against explosions or other “terrorist attacks”.
Pool guests who bring these items must allow them to be opened and inspected. Security personnel will smell them to see whether they are safe or not.
Schneier thinks this is a stupid idea.
Here is a tip for cheaters: Bring something like chloroform with you. Guards will smell it and faint. You are then free to do anything you want.
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