PayPal Security Key Fob
I’m pretty security conscious when it comes to doing stuff on the web (though not as paranoid as some people I know who turn the lights off when they enter a password), I have various strength of passwords depending on the sensitivity of what they’re protecting with my PayPal one being on the “oh god what numbers, symbols and case was that password again”. So it was interesting to read that PayPal are currently trialling security key fobs.
Having worked in the software industry and getting hauled in to do a bit of support from time to time I’m used to working with key fobs and they are a lot easier (and debatable more secure) than passwords. With a security key fob it flashing up a password (usually numbers) that is only valid for 30 seconds (or so) so when you’re asked for a password, enter it from the key fob and hey presto you’re in.
Sorry if I was stating the obvious there (and if not I hope I explained it ok). I find it interesting that PayPal are taking this route and with all the phishing emails directed at PayPal users it may not be a bad idea to have very temporary passwords (then again phishing for a password and then using it doesn’t take very long either).
At the moment it’s being trialled in America, Germany and Australia. If you are one of the people involved in the trial please let us know how you’re getting on. Hat tip to stuff.
Join 5 reviews or comments
GrimReeper Says: January 19, 2007 at 5:55 am
I should have checked out PayPal b4 I posted my original comment. These things are $5US and I couldn’t order one through the site.
They are free for business account holders.
James McGrath Says: December 31, 2007 at 1:07 pm
I have one after someone in Germany tried to hijack my account then tried to buy high priced clothing from Italy.
Works great, highly recommended.
Laura Says: April 21, 2008 at 5:33 am
I wasn’t aware that it was a trial. I paid for the key fob and have had it almost a year now. Nothing was ever mentioned that this is a trial security system. I don’t think that is correct.
Von Nastvogel Says: August 4, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Sometimes little things like this are just white lies . I am sorry. THis little device is not needed at all . with real software interally speaking to be kept safe the last thing we need to worry about is the pw/un security , TRy a (Search term called (BLUE CHIP) This kind of crap leaves people clueless. as well as the fact i may pay 3 percent on 100s of thousands of trnafer which is not right in the scope of all this as well . AT ther very least they should give this awy to merchants with lots of money account or connections the more the merryior is actually true in this case . (Try google check out. VIsa, and more secuity with discounts on good stuff, works just a little better . All except for the instant payment to the Paypal card. IN that case they have won especially regarding a broker who needs the cash now to send and bank there commision fee.. CHange is coming . I suppose people also might want to research bluechips/ class action suits it only takes 3 people fiing , and one professional desighned forum to sink a multi \zillion doller biz balance sheet for the year. Is this box really keeping our pw/un safe or is it actually a divertion from spam issues and true hacks, = Identy theft. internal not exturnal . Hey i am no lawyer but if you feel the identy issues and UN?securty plus brand fraud has hurt america , AS CRAIGS LIST HAS.. , The real issues here. CEO _VN> I can publicy download a PDF add my signiture if 2 more peope simple print it out then reload it , up to say 5 we win . then comes 1000 posative comments the JUDGE needs to address publicy . I would expect a big time comprimise soon perhaps 50% fees returned to us all . IF u really got hurt by fraud email ..CL/PP [email protected] . I actually know the answer here.
GrimReeper Says: January 19, 2007 at 5:51 am
Damn I want to be in this trial. I’m a Aussie PayPal user = (