Apr 07 2008
Are we getting too paranoid?
I mentioned that I have a new computer. Today, I needed to access my online banking from my new computer. I entered my password correctly and was taken to a screen that prompted me for the following:
I don’t ever remember answering these questions before, but I must have. The problem is that I read so much that I don’t know if my favorite book then is the same as my favorite book now. I don’t know what city I was born in because I was born on an Air Force Base and never cared to learn more. I have a favorite movie… well I did when I was a kid, so I know that one because I have used that as an answer in many places.
So, I clicked on the "forgotten the answers link" and it told me to call.
I called. They reset my password so that I can start over.
So, here are my question options.
For question 1:
What is the name of your best friend? (I’ve a few friends. Can’t pick one. Sorry Jared)
What is the name of your first grade teacher? (haven’t a clue)
What is your favorite book? (again… don’t know)
What is the name of your favorite pet? (I hate pets)
For question 2:
In what city/town were you born? (I wasn’t really born in a city or town)
What is your favorite color? (Blue… no YELLOW)
What is your birthstone? (No Idea)
What is your favorite holiday? (Christmas, National Frozen Food Month, Festivus)
For question 3:
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? (Depends on the day of the week)
What is your favorite author? (Related to my favorite book… might remember this)
What is your favorite movie? (At least one that I can remember what I answered)
What is your favorite athlete? (Don’t really care about sports)
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What is my point here?
Well, I already have to remember usernames and passwords for a myriad of sites. No one can get into my account without my username and password and I always (or at least when the site allows me to) use a strong password… you know, with upper and lower cases, at least one number and at least one symbol). There is no way anyone is going to happen across my password because it has no relation to my life now.
So, why make it so hard for me now? Why give me something else to remember? More importantly, why lock me into questions when my answer might change in a few months? If I read the new Rida Allen novel and it suddenly becomes my new favorite, I am going to forget all about Twilight, aren’t I?
Besides, if someone could get my password… which is hard to figure out, don’t you think that in casual conversation, someone could probably figure these questions out if I happened to have specific answers.
So, when I called the company and complained, I was told that if I can’t remember, then I should write them down. Great, now a would be hacker just has to read my password list.
Corey Smith is the Chief Web Architect for Dealer Marketing Systems.