Movie plot threat

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Movie plot threat is a term for terrorist fears based on very specific attack scenarios. They do not present a realistic scenario to build security measures on but rather serve to scare people. The term was introduced by security specialist Bruce Schneier. Preparing for a movie plot threat is usually ineffective, since it only pays off if your guess of the scenario is right. Overall security is not improved however as a terrorist may just as likely pick some other way to terrorize.

Among many other examples Schneier described banning baby carriers from subways for fear that they contain explosives a movie plot threat[1].

During April 2006, Schneier had a contest on creating the most fantastic movie plot threat[2].

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Schneier, Bruce. Schneier on Security: Exploding Baby Carriages in Subways. “And if we ban baby carriages from the subways, and the terrorists put their bombs in duffel bags instead, have we really won anything?”
  2. ^ Schneier, Bruce. Schneier on Security: Announcing: Movie-Plot Threat Contest.

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