The Santa Security Conundrum

It’s well known that Santa is very resourceful, especially in the face of a good challenge. That little old driver, so lively and quick, prides himself on getting out of a jam. Ever seen the size of some chimney flues? Not much space for a bowlful of jelly, let alone a little round belly. But somehow he does it, every year.

Alas, modern security systems could present Old Saint Nick with a myriad of obstacles to overcome in delivering all those toys. Motion detectors, CCTV cameras and access control systems are designed to keep people out.

But they clearly don’t work when it comes to Santa. Thankfully.

There are many theories to help explain how Father Christmas slips through expensive and elaborate security systems. And after a year of blogging about how and why to secure your houses, businesses and data centres from such access issues, we offer this – our last blog of 2011 – as a list of those theories in a nod to the security-defying magic of Kris Kringle himself.

Blitzen is a locksmith – Among the lesser-known reindeers, Blitzen spends a lot of time honing his mechanical skills during the off-season. This puts him in excellent position for those Christmas Eve occasions when tricky door locks would otherwise block a perfect gift drop by Santa. Think those legendary hooves are only used for flying? Think again.

Santa’s belt is a digital de-coder – For most of us, a black belt is a fashion accessory, while for some it’s a sign of karate expertise. Not for Santa. It’s rumoured that his black belt was designed by data encryption specialists, meaning he can temporarily dis-able any alarm on earth. This gives him precious milliseconds to stuff stockings, eat cookies, drink milk and deliver gifts before you can say “Motion-sensing lasers”.

Time is suspended – Kids waking up Christmas morning have it right – it really was a long, long night waiting to come downstairs. Ever wonder why? Perhaps it’s because Santa temporarily breaks the laws of physics by suspending time while he drops off all those toys for all those kids. NASA could learn a thing or two from the Jolly Fat Man when it comes to space and time travel.

He really is watching us – Santa knows and sees all. So why would it not extend to knowing our security system codes? The fanciest alpha-numeric codes in the world won’t deter Old Saint Nick from efficiently entering your house to leave all those goodies behind. Unless, of course, you’ve been bad. Then he simply won’t bother.

Whatever the theory, the reality is that Santa Claus charms his way into millions of households around the globe on a very special night. And we couldn’t be happier that he does.

From all of us at Veridin, have a safe and secure holiday season.