Ep 2. Adam Ruins Security

In the second episode of the first season of the popular truTV series, Adam Ruins Everything, our beloved host Adam Conover turns his attention to security. This time around, Adam dons his usual suit and tie, but instead of his trusty access card, he brings with him some surprising facts about security.

In this episode, Adam takes aim at everything from the notion of password complexity to the TSA's oft-criticized screening procedures. On the subject of passwords, Adam argues that the policies many of us associate with "secure" passwords--symbols, numbers, capital letters--are ultimately pointless, because they actually make it harder for people to remember and use them effectively. As such, he predicts that the future of password security might involve the use of biometric identification, like fingerprints or facial recognition.

Getting through airport security is never an enjoyable experience, and Adam doesn't help matters when he reveals that the TSA's rules and regulations don't actually make us any safer. For example, he points out that the scanners the agency uses to detect threats are pretty weak, and that the list of prohibited items is often arbitrary and nonsensical. From there, he explains that the real reason behind the TSA's tough stance on security has more to do with political optics than with actual safety concerns.

Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of Adam Ruins Everything without some expert interviews to back up the argument. This time around, Adam sits down with a former TSA officer, who corroborates his claims about the agency's shortcomings. In another scene, an expert in cybersecurity explains the vulnerability of our personal data in light of recent hacks and breaches.

Along the way, Adam also takes on some of the most persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding security. For example, he debunks the common belief that you can protect yourself from hackers and identity thieves by shredding sensitive documents. He also delves into the world of home security systems, and explains why the most popular models might not actually be all that effective at keeping burglars at bay.

Like the rest of the episodes in the series, Adam Ruins Security is chock-full of interesting and sometimes uncomfortable truths. But thanks to Adam's rapier wit and engaging style, the show is never a downer. Instead, it's a refreshingly honest take on a subject that most people take for granted or don't pay much attention to--and it might just inspire you to change some of your own security habits.