SmartWater – Anti-theft Asset Marking System

en.wikipedia.org

12 pointssyquek2 comments

As the Wikipedia article mentions, Bruce Schneier pointed out the problem with this product almost a decade ago [1]:

The idea is for me to paint this stuff on my valuables as proof of ownership. I think a better idea would be for me to paint it on your valuables, and then call the police.

He hedged his position after a study came out showing it worked[2], but it's still a good example of the security mindset[3].

1. https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2005/02/smart_water.h...

2. https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/01/smartwater_wo...

3. https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/03/the_security_...

Of note is that the study didn't show that SmartWater actually helped to solve crimes - indeed, last I heard there was no study showing that - but it still had a deterrent effect because criminals think it helps. (I think many of them may have caught on by now though.)

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