The problem with security: public perception versus reality

The public perception of security, both of the requirements and the implementation, is often at odds with the judgment of security professionals. There is clearly a need to bridge the existing gulf, both by better education of the public, and by the security community gaining a better understanding of public policy, its constraints and limitations, and the effects of public perception. The author explores the topic through the examination of a case study. The example chosen was the Gulf War's effects on airport security in the US. He provides an analysis of the threat, as perceived by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airports, the security measures imposed by the FAA, and their effects, on both public perception and in reducing vulnerabilities, from a technical security view. He also suggests that the lack of vulnerability analyses is a major problem in providing effective security.<>