Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Doubt Physical Security Has Improved Significantly Since 9/11, Survey Finds
Most Americans surveyed questioned whether building security has kept pace with aviation safeguards since the Sept. 11 attacks.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 11, 2026
A national survey found that 79% of Americans do not believe physical security in buildings has improved significantly since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks 25 years ago.
The YouGov survey, funded by physical access control company Alcatraz, also found that 76% of respondents believe office buildings did not receive security investments comparable to those made at airports.
Among respondents, 73% considered physical security technology upgrades at least somewhat urgent. Another 60% said they did not trust the organizations responsible for their security to keep systems up to date.
The findings also identified concerns about badge-based access control. Fifty-eight percent of respondents knew that key cards and badges can be duplicated or shared, while 43% incorrectly believed standard badge and key-card systems issue real-time alerts when tailgating occurs.
Alcatraz funded the survey after four reported security breaches at prominent U.S. buildings during the summer. Three of those incidents involved tailgating through credential-controlled entrances. Most conventional badge systems record that a valid credential was used but do not confirm the identity of the person entering.
The survey found that 68% of respondents believed a tailgater at their location would not be caught quickly. Only 32% expected detection immediately or within a few minutes.
The findings provide security professionals with a view of public attitudes toward building access control. They also identify areas where respondents remain uncertain about how these systems operate.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.