MR

Okay, just when I thought I was crazy, I see it popping up again. This new thing of sign in seals for internet sites. In case you're not aware, you choose an image and a personal phrase that is unique to you and your computer. The purpose supposedly is to stop phishing and to know that the site you're on is the real deal. I can't help but wonder though if their is something more to this.

Yesterday I got an email from Emigrant Direct saying that I would be enrolled in this within 30 days, in other words, I have no choice.. I went to their website to login and sure enough it was no joke. What disturbs is that it says I'll be required to register my computer and that this is some government requirement. Question. If it's a gov requirement and I am registering my computer isn't that giving them access to my identity? Won't they be able to track my movements? Does this mean now that I won't be able to access my account through an anoynmous computer?

I don't know. Maybe I have an over active imagination, but something doesn't feel right.

I think it's just like everything else in this country - TOO much protection from EVERYthing. My old bank did that and I had to choose an image. Then when I got a new PC, I was locked out of my account because it didn't recognize the computer and thought someone was hacking into my account. I appreciate that they want me, as a customer, to feel safe using their services, but it's not going to work if their system prevents me from getting into my own damn account when normal everyday life events occur, like needing to access something while you're away or your computer blowing up and needing to buy a new one.

Then again, if we didn't have all this wonderful and convenient technology, we'd be bitching about that too. "There MUST be an easier way to order my Harry & David Chocolate Covered Christmas Pears! You mean I have to use the PHONE?! Or MAIL it in?!"

New security measures are a good thing but they are extremely irritating.

I have to renew my security every 6-8 weeks in my job, which is hard for me because I have to memorise what it all is, and I actually have a short term memory difficulty..so a bit irritating.