Facebook Introduces One-Time Passwords

angry tapir writes "Worried about logging into Facebook from a strange computer? There's now a way to get into the popular social network without entering your regular Facebook password. It's called a temporary password. To use it, users must list their mobile phone numbers with their Facebook accounts. They can then text a number from their phones and Facebook sends back a temporary password that is good for 20 minutes. The service will be available worldwide in the next few weeks."

Comments

Re:yeah, just give us your phone number

[TheKidWho]

I don't think you know what a pyramid scheme is...

Re:Great idea.

[Rijnzael]

BOA does this already if you're in the US.

Re:Stolen Phone?

[Rhaban]

a lot of people who use have smartphones with a facebook app, so if someone steals the phone they already have access to your fb account.

Re:yeah, just give us your phone number

[TheKidWho]

I don't think you know what a Pyramid scheme is either...

Let's wikipedia it:

A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves promising participants payment primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than from any real investment or sale of products or services to the public. Pyramid schemes are a form of fraud.

What you're describing on the other hand is just exploitation.

if you can't see how this pertains to facebook then you are too dull to be helped.

I've never heard that one before.

Re:Great idea.

[Rob the Bold]

Now can we please get one-time credit card authorisation?

Amex did this for a while about 10 years ago. I used it and liked it. Then it went away.

Re:Stolen Phone?

[compro01]

If you've got a touchscreen phone, that PIN may be much less secure than you think.

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/10/08/11/128244/Touchscreens-Open-To-Smudge-Attacks