Slashdot Mirror


Map Based Passwords

smitty777 writes "Discovery is running an article on passwords based on a very specific location on a map. Instead of showing UID and Password fields, the user would simply click on a very specific spot on Google Earth, for example. I wonder how you would make that secure? Also, if you forgot, would you get a message saying 'Your password is the third flamingo on the left on the lawn of Aunt Bessie's house'?"

10 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. It works! by grub · · Score: 4, Funny


    I forgot my gmail password

    and here was my hint.

    (how I forgot "goatse" as a password is beyond me.)

    --
    Trolling is a art,
  2. Forget mouse trackers... by bieber · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...this one is easy enough to crack just by shoulder-looking. And of course there's the issue of needing to load a ton of map data just for a simple password entry, and if the map provider is out you're screwed. Plus the hassle of zooming down from a world-map to some specific point every time you want to get into a site. Need I go on?

    1. Re:Forget mouse trackers... by T+Murphy · · Score: 4, Funny

      this one is easy enough to crack just by shoulder-looking

      So don't display the map plainly- replace it with asterisks. Problem solved.

    2. Re:Forget mouse trackers... by Zerth · · Score: 3, Funny

      So my password would be ore, ore, ore, ore, ore, ore, ore, ore

      I'd rather have tower-cap, quarry bush, pigtail, dwarf, elephant, corpse, corpse, corpse

  3. Find a point on a map? by bigredradio · · Score: 5, Funny

    Here is the US that would be very effective.

    REQUEST: Locate Belgium on a map

    RESPONSE: uh.....uh......connection timed out!

  4. Re:slacker geo-hack by Intron · · Score: 5, Funny

    MEMO FROM IT DEPT.

    It has come to our attention that some users are selecting weak passwords. Henceforth, we have implemented measures to prevent selecting passwords based on well-known locations, major cities and major landmarks. When selecting a password we will not allow you to use a place that you, a relative or a friend have ever lived or visited. Please fill out the attached questionairre listing everywhere you have been since you were born.

    Thank you.
    IT - Department - help you can count on

    --
    Intron: the portion of DNA which expresses nothing useful.
  5. Re:That's great for me by RapmasterT · · Score: 4, Funny

    something tells me you don't need to worry about women.

  6. The third flamingo on the left on the lawn of Aunt by sakdoctor · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's amazing! I've got the same flamingo on my luggage.

  7. Re:slacker geo-hack by badboy_tw2002 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Dang, my password was someone's backyard where they had spelled out "GOD" "SEX" and "LOVE" with their hedges. If I ask them to grow a "1" after it will we be all good?

  8. pull over by Comboman · · Score: 4, Funny

    They pull over and ask a gas station attendant what their password is.

    --
    Support Right To Repair Legislation.