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Coming to a Computer Near You: The Multi-factor Quiz Show
Many companies are (rightfully) getting very concerned about security on the net. So to make sure you are who you say you are, they use something called "multi-factor authentication" It's not enough to have a password any more: now they'd like a smartcard, or perhaps you could store the answers to some questions only you would know the answers to. For those of us perhaps a bit on the forgetful side, this is not fun.
So now when I surf the net, it's like a quiz show. I go to log in to my brokerage account. After the password, they ask "What was the name of your elementary school?"
I don't know. They changed the name about halfway through my first year. Did I use the original one or the later one?
Visit another site: "What was the name of your favorite pet?"
I had a lot of pets. I really liked my cat WhiteFoot, but FriskyFoot was pretty cool too, and then was that dog Sad Eyes that Joy had...
"Where is your favorite vacation spot?"
The kids like Myrtle Beach, but I've always been fond of Maine, but then there was that trip I took about the time I set the account up....
"Who was your best friend growing up?"
Now wait a minute. I had LOTS of friends, thank you very much, and for me to pick one out....
"Where did you meet your wife?" "When is your wedding anniversary?" "Who is your favorite aunt?"
Stupid computer.
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Since most sites ask the same set of extra questions, I have "decided" on what these answers are 100% of the time. If there was a "what was your favorite color when you were a kid?" question, I would pick an answer for that, and use it on all sites.
A universal RSA token/pin would be easier!