Tuesday 28 October 2008

Passwords

My MINT credit card uses some new type of security for on-line shopping, in that as well as having to type in the card number expiry date and security code, I have to type in a password too. However, they don't want you to type in the whole password, they want the 3rd, 5th and 8th characters (these numbers change each time). So whats the best way to determine the 3rd, 5th and 8th characters? Write it down. We are told never to write passwords down. You can reset your password, so I do this every time with random keystrokes on the keyboard. So what is the point? Is this any more secure? Sorry MINT, but I wont be using your card any more. Come on guys; keep it simple!
Oh yes and another moan about MINT: They don't have an email address, you have to contact them via a premium rate 0870 number - bloody crooks!

Friday 3 October 2008

Facebook, what's the point?

Against my better judgement, I joined Facebook yesterday. I cancelled my membership today. Maybe it's just for teenagers, but I just don't get it. Are we all so insecure that we need to know exactly what our friends are doing, and even what they are thinking? I was going to use it to allow old friends to contact me, but I think I'll stick with Friends Reunited. Who chose to have things like a "poke" and "spanking" on the site? Employers often look up potential staff on Facebook, so watch what you put on it, or you may not get that job you wanted.