A First World Problem
An archetypal first world problem is that we sites have (all?) decided to add two factor authentication (as the earlier first world problem of requiring irritating passwords with capital letters and special! symbols doesn’t work well enough anymore). This didn’t use to be a problem when they offered to send the 6-digit one time code to an e-mail address, but it has become a problem for the elderly and technically semi-literate blogger at your service.
They now insist on sending it to a cell phone. To live in the modern world a cell phone has become a necessity (OK I once bought one for 20 euros). I have a 3G cell phone either a 3G number (the 3G network has been turned off in case anyone else has been so far behind the cutting edge of … what was wrong with it anyway?). I also have a currently functioning new cell phone — with a new number.
I have been informed that I could have up generationed my old number. This would have prevented some hassles as the sites all offer to send the 6 digit code to the old number which connects with the inactivated network. This has caused me trouble with Citibank, the IRS and the Apple corporatoin. I also have trouble with the Agenzia Delle Entrate (the Italian IRS) as my phone with an Italian number has to be in Italy to get the code.
MY frustration just reached a new level because I have called, waited thorugh the muzak and talked to a human being who said I needed a six digit code which would be sent to my cell phone so that he could answer my questions. I knew my mother’s maiden name (not posted here) and everything. This is getting out of hand.
If one wonders why a skinflint like me has two IPhones I am eager to explain that my Italian phone does not work in the USA. It was bought used presumably from someone who ran up a bill, threw away the SIM card and sold the device. The devices identify themselves that that phone appears to be on a US specific blacklist.
I complain about my petty problem because
- a blog post has been requested
- There is something wrong with forcing people to buy cell phones (I know there are few left without one and cheap dumb phones can receive text messages).
Robert:
I got past the dual verification process. Just wait, someone will figure out how to get past it. Then what?
With quantum computers, every password will be hackable. The only barrier will be expense, but China, North Korea and Russia will be able to afford it.
Robert:
To add to my comment. You post about interesting issues or things. Which is why I “asked” if you would post again.
The two-code method is a pita. If something is urgent or need to do so while driving? You don’t. And then you have to find someplace to light. I have seen some magnificent burn spots on the autobahn. I wondered if they were texting or chatting while driving?
How do you get by it? Maybe a fingerprint device on a particular part of the phone? Mabe a way to identify you using the phone (hold it up to your face so it recognizes you). There can only be one fingerprint or face like that in the world, right?
I am not a phone techie like many. It serves the purpose of answering calls where someone needs to talk to me. I do not text much. I find the damn thing annoying at times. It never fails to go off at inopportune times. too. Think about it.
Thank you Robert.
The sites I use are going to using phone biometrics as the second factor. Sign on to the web site, and it tells you to open the app – which uses biometrics for authentication. Once you do that, the web site will be accessible. Newer computers can connect to the phone directly and it will just check automatically, I think.
Definitely a first world problem for those wealthy enough to own phones and computers.
@Jane,
I log onto my Mac with my forefinger most times. Every couple days, it insists on the password. There are a few other sites that also use my fingerprint. My university uses my fingerprint as the first factor, then texts me a password that I have to enter before I can enter the apps page. To open the email app requires texting a second password. Oy.