Re: Proposal to anti-phishing

[Michael Silk <michaelsilk () gmail com>]

> I think it is a reasonable thing to say to users when the certificate is
> issued to them:
>
> We will NOT EVER ask you for any other authentication information on our
> web site. This certificate is the only way that you authenticate to us
> on the Internet. If you ever see our bank web site asking you for your
> authentication information, please report it immediately to our security
> department.

But how will it be said? On paper? It will be ignored. Over the phone?
Forgotten. In person ? Probably ignored. Nailed to their forehead ?
...


> >  Ah yes, of course. Then we face the problem of users having lots of
> > these little devices ... or losing them, or insecure use (leave in
> > slot), etc ...
>
> Well, it is possible for a single token to contain multiple
> certificates/private keys, so it does not HAVE to lead to proliferation.
> And of course, a number of banks are issuing smart card based credit
> cards and debit cards. I wonder how big a leap it would be for the banks
> to include a private key on the card, too.

But then you are creating more problems for the poor customer who
loses his card. Not only does he now have to worry about his credit
limit being maxed, but all his savings stolen too...


> Then, with a smart card reader, which will become ubiquitous as more and
> more banks start using this technique, you simply plug in your credit
> card, and you are authenticated.
>
> It should even be possible to enforce good password controls in the
> smart card, such as limiting the number of retries, enforcing a password
> length, etc. Password reset could possibly even be handled by the ATM's,
> if they have access to a PUK.
>
> I would like to think that people would not leave their credit cards in
> the slot when they are finished, as they asociate the credit card with
> physical security (keep it with me).

And I'd like to think that users would lock their workstations when
they wander around the office, or, or, or ...

The slots would have to beep very annoyingly to remind the user to
take it out (a la ATMs) otherwise they would most definately forget.

Even still, how many people would leave their wallets at their desk (I
do). What about women (not to get sexist here ...:)) but I don't see
them carrying their purse around the office :)

-- Michael