We are Sheep

As I’m flying to St Louis today reading Bruce Scheier’ “Beyond Fear”, I’m struck by something so obvious that I feel stupid.

We all fill out forms online. Many of the forms require some sort of security verification in the event of a lost password. For instance, your Mother’s Maiden name is frequently used.

I imagine many people use their mother’s real maiden name. Why? Because we are asked to and because its easy for us to remember. The former is likely the main reason and subconscious.

We do not have to use real information when filling out these forms.

Don’t be a sheep.