Security Theater

What is security theater?

Security measures that don't actually increase security

People use the phrase security theater to refer to showy-yet-ineffectual security measures. For example, U.S. citizens discussing the TSA may state that the organization's airport security measures are "pure security theater." In these peoples' minds, the TSA's security measures might make people feel safer, but they don't actually increase airport security.

Origin of security theater

Computer security specialist and author Bruce Schneier coined the phrase security theater in his 2003 book Beyond Fear. Schneier originally used the term to refer to various TSA airport security measures.

Other examples of security theater

Some other examples of security theater (at least in some peoples' minds) include:

  • Having people sign the back of their credit cards (no one ever checks this signature)
  • Placing metal detectors and cameras in schools to "prevent" school shootings
  • Requiring users to create needlessly complex passwords for accounts

Example

Did you know peanut butter is considered a liquid now? Security theater at its finest
A Redditor wondering whether debit card PINs are security theater
A Redditor wondering whether debit card PINs are security theater

Related Slang

Hygiene theaterHygienic tactics performed to make people feel safer
Tots and pearsThoughts and prayers
G4NGood for nothing
2FATwo-factor authentication
cqrtSecurity
PINPersonal identification number
BrexitBritish exit from the European Union

Categories

General
Updated April 28, 2023

Security theater definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Security theater" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

We are constantly updating our database with new slang terms, acronyms, and abbreviations. If you would like to suggest a term or an update to an existing one, please let us know!