Feeling like an idiot...

Well I made a big mistake. I setup multi-factor authentication for Google a few months back using the Google Authenticator with my BB (Blackberry). It's almost identical to the RSA soft-token. I set the backup to be my home phone number. Unfortunately, I never printed out any backup codes. This whole plan fell to pieces when I upgraded my BB to 6.0. I forgot that this would mean resetting my Google Authenticator. Well this didn't seem like a big deal since Google would automatically phone me with a code, right? Nope. Recently I changed my phone number because my number just happens to be one digit different than a popular cruise ship in the area.

Google made me fill out this nice short form with 20 questions. I guess we will see whether or not I get to keep my e-mail address.

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Comments

ColbyG

ouch...

Devilsbane

Seems like you should be able to work something out, its just going to take much longer

shaqazoolu

Not quite as serious, but back when I used to play WoW, I had the authenticator app on my Droid attached to my account...same concept. Not once, not twice, but three times I nuked my phone and put a new ROM on it without removing the authenticator from my account first. The first time I did it I was on the phone with customer service for an hour reading CD keys from the original media and everything else under the sun to prove I was me to get my account back. Now, apparently Blizzard just requires a copy/picture of photo ID and they'll remove it from the account for you.

the_Grinch

Ouch, that sucks! We've all done something like that at one point or another. Does make you happy the security is so tight right?

veritas_libertas

the_Grinch wrote: »

Ouch, that sucks! We've all done something like that at one point or another. Does make you happy the security is so tight right?

Yes.

This is another case of me worrying more about confidentiality than availability. I'm hoping that Google will eventually get around to checking my request so I can get back to using my e-mail. I haven't had access since last week. Oh brother...

veritas_libertas

I was finally given access to my account. This time I have taken every precaution to make sure it doesn't happen again.

tpatt100

I did the same thing with my Wow account a while back, had to submit paperwork to get it removed. They now have a way for you to regain access to your account without having to go through the paperwork process. Figured plenty of people were doing the same thing for their game access.

grauwulf

I love how Google's ultimate answer to better security is to print out your password

"No, really guys. Print it out and tape it to your keyboard. That way you'll never forget! What could be more secure than that?!"

Derping through the snow
in a herp'd up derp-o-let
then on to the web we go
a-herp-murp-derp'ing all the way
DERP! MURP! HURP-HURP! DERP! DERP!

veritas_libertas

grauwulf wrote: »

I love how Google's ultimate answer to better security is to print out your password "No, really guys. Print it out and tape it to your keyboard. That way you'll never forget! What could be more secure than that?!"

Derping through the snow
in a herp'd up derp-o-let
then on to the web we go
a-herp-murp-derp'ing all the way
DERP! MURP! HURP-HURP! DERP! DERP!

LOL. If only I could get users to quit doing that. Nine out of ten times they do this, and it's still not as unusual as it should to see users with passwords stuck to their monitor.

Devilsbane

grauwulf wrote: »

I love how Google's ultimate answer to better security is to print out your password "No, really guys. Print it out and tape it to your keyboard. That way you'll never forget! What could be more secure than that?!"

It is a different world these days. When computers were first launched, the idea was that coworkers wouldn't get your password. Today, with so much interconnectivity and hacking attempts through the web, sometimes the most secure location is under your keyboard. (Although I'd lock it in a cabinet before I'd do that)