Bizarre security questions

cronshd

I always find it interesting to see the different levels of security for credit card maintenance online and how they apply it.

The most extensive has to be for Sainsbury's.

In addition to the 11 digit userid which is sent through the post, you are assigned a 7 digit access code (again thru a separate letter).

This is followed up by setting answers to all the following security questions:

- an 8 character (minimum) password
- memorable date
- memorable place
- memorable name
......and wait for it:

- your favourite singer! :rotfl:

To top it off, you have to enter your own security question, with an answer only known by you.

Phew.....! By contrast, Virgin has a simple userid and password - bingo!.

Any other experiences of bizarre or over-the-top security on credit cards?

Stonk

Any other experiences of bizarre or over-the-top security on credit cards?

I have a Vanquis card at 59.9%. Whenever I want to access my account details, I have to draw some blood from a vein in my arm and perform a DNA analysis which they compare with results they have on file from the pound of my flesh I was required to send them on opening the account.

Nick_C_4

And I don't know whether you've noticed, but they've programmed the website to disallow some questions for the "security question that only you know the answer to". I honestly couldn't think of anything that my wife didn't also know the answer to, so decided to make something up. I tried "What's the name of my dog?" (I don't actually have a dog, so this would be difficult for anyone to guess) and it wouldn't allow it!

Has anyone done a study on the point at which making security more complex becomes counter-productive? Let's face it, it's virtually impossible to remember all your passwords and answers to questions without writing them down somewhere.....which of course is a security risk.

Nick_C_4

And Legal and General's online access insists on a password that contains at least one numeral but not at the end. This forced me to come up with yet another password.

cfc125

i come on this site for all the helpfull advice and info,been an avid viewer for ages.In all that time i haven't read anything as funny as the reply from stonk.Superb :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Stonk

I honestly couldn't think of anything that my wife didn't also know the answer to, so decided to make something up. I tried "What's the name of my dog?" (I don't actually have a dog, so this would be difficult for anyone to guess) and it wouldn't allow it!

Nah, the reason it wouldn't allow it is that it knows you don't have a dog. You liar ;o)

mountainofdebt

Well I was asked by Barclaycard what my star sign was.

Being a woman I knew the answer to this but how many men know their sign I wonder?

Unbelievable_2

Stonk wrote:

I have a Vanquis card at 59.9%. Whenever I want to access my account details, I have to draw some blood from a vein in my arm and perform a DNA analysis which they compare with results they have on file from the pound of my flesh I was required to send them on opening the account.

:rotfl: :rotfl:

You presumably also have to have your head examined for having the card in the first place

cronshd

Stonk - that was very, very funny!

Nick C - well I did exactly that - I WROTE down my answers - something which I have never done before.

I was going to make my security question, something personal (eg. my inside leg measurement (or something similar)) - and then I thought that if the bank rings me up, it could be a bit embarassing (and very funny) for both parties.

t_i_g_e_rr

Oh, wouldn't that be good. When they phone up they have to ask in a serious voice:
e.g., "What is your waist size", and your secret answer is "5 miles"!
and then, without a hint of a giggle:
"Thank you Mr Smith, now how can I help you..."

James

Egg as far as I am aware are the only company that lets you view your PIN on-line.

If your PIN can be viewed by you, who else can see it?