It seems that Listverse removed this post! What a tragedy!

The need for security is essential to our survival. This is especially the case with certain things, whose secrets are so important that they require some of the highest levels of security in the world: below, you’ll see military bases, intelligence centers and other facilities which are given unbelievable protection by their governments. What do they have in common? If you try enter any of these places without permission, then you’ll soon find out.

World leaders and scientists have come to realize that the end-of-the-world scenarios can realistically happen out of the blue. Thus, the idea of building a vault to help humanity back on its feet after such a disaster was born.

Located on an island in the North Sea, the Doomsday Seed Vault is home to more than 250 million seed crops, and it is one of the most protected places in the world. It is not only impossible to reach the vault as a mere human: even melting icecaps couldn’t undermine the safety of the seeds within. If doomsday were to happen tomorrow, the seeds could be used much later – a little like Noah’s Ark – to restore life on earth.

United States Bullion Depository – more commonly known as Fort Knox, due to the military base nearby – is one of the most famous high-security areas in the world. Not only is it supposed to contain thousands of tons of gold, but also historical artifacts such as the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence. The vault, located underneath the facility, is accessed via a 22-ton explosion door – supposedly, only ten people in the world know the code to unlock it

Built during the Cold War, the Cheyenne Mountain complex contains the American Aerospace Defense Command HQ. The tunnel is protected with solid reinforced granite. It is designed to survive many types of nuclear attacks, as well as electromagnetic pulse attacks. Awesome.

Even if you’re not a fan of UFO and conspiracy theories, it is very likely that you’ve heard of Area 51. Possibly the most mysterious site in the U.S., even flying through the airspace above the base is strictly prohibited – with missile installations ready to shoot down any pilot who decides to try his luck. Fascinatingly, even though the database does not exist on the map or paper, some people have been able to sneak a peek since the introduction of Google Earth a few years ago. Google conquers all.

6. Secret Vault of the Mormon Church

The Mormon Church vault is so secret that very few people have actually heard of it (Mitt Romney not included). The vault is said to contain the historical and genealogical records of the Mormon Church since the prophecies of Joseph Smith. Reportedly, the vault also contains temperature regulators, motion detectors, and heat sensors. It can additionally withstand powerful earthquakes.

Given the fact the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is said to contain about 25% of the world’s gold, the extreme security measures are understandable. Evil masterminds do in fact exist, and need to be accounted for.

If you’re thinking about carrying out this particular heist, my budding super villain, then think again: the vault is more than 80 feet below street level in New York, and about 50 feet below sea level. Not to mention the fact that the perimeter is permanently guarded by top-level sharpshooters, who have strict orders to not restrain themselves – no matter how loudly you might shout “Don’t taser me bro”.

4. Air Force One

The Air Force One project is designed to become a mobile White House in case of a serious threat to the President and his staff. The jet doesn’t need to land to refuel or resupply – with the help of another aircraft, it can do so in midair. All of its internal equipment is protected with electromagnetic shielding; it can fly through highly irradiated zones (in the case of a nuclear attack); it is able to jam radar; and in the case of an attack, it can even deploy heat seeking missiles.

3. Alcatraz of the Rockies

Alcatraz of the Rockies is the most guarded prison on earth, and home to some of the world’s most ruthless criminals and terrorists. The cells in this prison are made entirely from concrete. Most of the prisoners are kept in solitary confinement – they can’t take a step without triggering a large number of motion sensors. Not that they would even try to escape, given the enormous steel doors, the impressive gun towers, and Mr Burns-style guard dogs trained to attack at the first sign of an escape.

Whether you call it a good business idea, or merely the act of someone driven to madness by a burgled car, Bold Lane Garage is one of the safest facilities on earth. In order to access this well-guarded garage, you must first buy a ticket barcode, which tells you exactly where to park. As soon as you park, the vehicle motion sensors are activated. If anything touches the car while you’re away, an alarm will sound immediately.

But the real cream on the cake, in terms of your security, is that the whole building will then go into lockdown. How’s that for peace of mind? All this, plus many more security features undisclosed to the public, have made sure that shoppers have gone without anxiety for more than ten years.

If you are looking for the ultimate data protection service, try Haven Co, a company located somewhere in the middle of the North Sea. Their security protocol is so strong that the only way you can get access to the facility is by marrying into the British royal family, or by being a Haven Co investor or staff member. Even Barack Obama would be sent packing, tail between legs. For some mysterious reason, the company closed down without any explanation in 2008.