Security Questions Are a Bad Idea, and Here's Why

1. Why do security questions never work?
2. Are security questions really secure?
3. What is security question and answer?
4. Why do we ask security questions?
5. How do I get rid of security questions?
6. What is a secret question?
7. What are common security questions?
8. What are the Windows 10 security questions?
9. What are bank security questions?
10. How do security questions work?
11. What is the meaning of security answer?
12. How do I answer security questions on Gmail?

Why do security questions never work?

Security questions are a terrible idea. There are no "best practices" like there are for passwords: a password should be hard to guess, long enough, etc. ... By design, they are the opposite of secure: easy to guess, guessable using a dictionary attack or a list of last names, etc.

Are security questions really secure?

Yes, breaches happen, and sometimes your security questions get stolen. But that doesn't make them inherently less secure than passwords, phone numbers, and your biometric data (which can be stolen), or SMS or other 2-factor authentication messages, which can be intercepted or go to a compromised account.

What is security question and answer?

Your Security Question and Answer are vital pieces of account information and are used to verify account ownership. ... Once your Security Question is set the only way to change it is by contacting Customer Service and speaking with a representative. In order to change it, you must know the answer that is given.

Why do we ask security questions?

Security questions can add an extra layer of certainty to your authentication process. Security questions are an alternative way of identifying your consumers when they have forgotten their password, entered the wrong credentials too many times, or tried to log in from an unfamiliar device or location.

How do I get rid of security questions?

How to disable account security questions using Group Policy

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit. ...
3. Browse the following path: ...
4. On the right side, double-click the Prevent the use of security questions for local accounts policy.
5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK.

What is a secret question?

A secret question is a question/answer combination that only the person who creates it should know. They may be used as an added layer of security upon login, but are more commonly used in password retrieval.

What are common security questions?

What was your childhood nickname? In what city did you meet your spouse/significant other? What is the name of your favorite childhood friend?

What are the Windows 10 security questions?

Security Questions for Windows 10 Local Account

• What was your first pet's name?
• What's the name of the city where you were born?
• What was your childhood nickname?
• What's the name of the city where your parents met?
• What's the first name of your oldest cousin?
• What's the name of the first school you attended?

What are bank security questions?

A security question is form of shared secret used as an authenticator. It is commonly used by banks, cable companies and wireless providers as an extra security layer.

How do security questions work?

How security questions work. The idea is simple: when you create an account, you provide the answer to a question of a personal nature; ideally, a question only you know the answer to. That answer is recorded, and should you ever need to confirm that you are the legitimate account holder, they ask you that question.

What is the meaning of security answer?

An internet security question is a backup measure used to authenticate the user of a website or an application in the event that they have forgotten their user name and/or password. Theoretically, a security question is a shared secret between the user and the website. ... The question and answer should be simple.

How do I answer security questions on Gmail?

Answers to security questions

If you're asked a security question and you: Don't remember the answer: Take your best guess. Know the answer but didn't recover your account on your first try: Consider a different variation of the answer. For example, try "NY" instead of "New York" or "Phil" instead of "Philip."