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Is your security question actually secure?

  • 20 November 2013
  • 1 reply
  • 883 views
MikeR
Userlevel 7
  • MikeR
  • Retired Webrooter
  • 1455 replies


(source: compurocketusa/BusinessGhana)
 
Internet crooks use personal information to guess your passwords or use them for password resets. 
 
Many of the common security questions (mother's maiden name, where you were born, name of your high school mascott, etc.) are already on your social networks and are publicly available.
 
It is in your best interest to keep your personal information and loved one's (including relatives and pets) names off of the internet and off of public areas. 
 
Full Article
Mike R Social Media Manager

1 reply

Baldrick
Rank
Userlevel 7
Hi Mike
 
Good advice...but there is another option.  Use made up names for your Mother's Maiden Name, Pet's name, etc.  After all their is no validated right answer to the question.  Your Mother's Maiden Name may be 'Jones' but if you set it as 'Thomas' then the latter is the 'right' answer and no one can divine the answer to the security question, i.e., you don't have to answer it truthfully initially...you just need to remember the lie. ;)
 
Just another approach, and you can then be as open as you want on social media.
 
But seriously, what ever is set as the answer needs to be kept private...I have seen people write that information down on pads on 'hot desk' and not bother to clear that when leaving. :S
 
Regards
 
 
Baldrick
 
 
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete Beta Tester v9.0.24.49, imaged by Macrium Reflect v7.2

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