Re: Password hints

["Jason C. Belford" <jason.belford () OIT GATECH EDU>]

Ian,

> Does anyone have advice for what sort of questions might be  
> allowable or wise to use for password challenge-response in the  
> event someone forgets their password? I think recent guidelines have  
> ruled out using your mother’s maiden name and other old standards.
> How have you handled this at your campus?

Currently we have a list of 72 questions and pick 9 at random to  
display to the user (when setting up the challenge-response  
questions).  A 10th option is where they can write their own  
question.  We have seen some very impressive (and imaginative  
questions) being asked as well as those like "Mother's Maiden Name."

We are re-evaluating our hints, but we have learned a few lessons  
about user behavior in our attempts.  Mostly importantly, stay away  
from questions, which will have ephemeral answers (i.e. what is your  
favorite....).

--Jason

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Jason C. Belford
Information Security Manager
Office of Information Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Phone: (404) 894 - 6159