Monday, July 14, 2008

List of Common Password Reset/Challenge Questions

Have you ever forgotten your password? Well I have J. Truly speaking now-a-days internet users have too many accounts & passwords to remember and so forgetting them is fairly common. In fact it is the most common help desk request. To ease these support guys many web-sites are opting for using automated password recovery mechanism wherein the user who forgot the password is challenged with a question which he/she had selected while creating the account. If the user answers the question correctly, the password is reset or sent to the users email account.

As this feature saves a lot of money for the website owners, and also saves the users a lot of time & efforts involved in recovering the password, it has now become a STANDARD. Consequently web developers have to face the challenge of populating the security question drop-down with the most common challenge questions which not only suit everyone one but are also easy to understand and remember.

I also faced such a problem recently but couldn't find a set of such questions published anywhere even after intensive "googling" :P Well don't doubt my searching skills J

So I decided to post one here itself, for the reference of all those enthu developers/designers round the world

Here it goes:

  • What is the first and last name of your first boyfriend or girlfriend?
  • Which phone number do you remember most from your childhood?
  • What was your favorite place to visit as a child?
  • Who is your favorite actor, musician, or artist?
  • What is the name of your favorite pet?
  • In what city were you born?
  • What high school did you attend?
  • What is the name of your first school?
  • What is your favorite movie?
  • What is your mother's maiden name?
  • What street did you grow up on?
  • What was the make of your first car?
  • When is your anniversary?
  • What is your favorite color?
  • What is your father's middle name?
  • What is the name of your first grade teacher?
  • What was your high school mascot?
  • Which is your favorite web browser?

I will surely add to these if I am able to figure out any more… If you know any feel; free to add them in the comments area.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you

These security questions are simple and anyone can remember them easily

DuMore Apps said...

Thank you for the list, I'm adding them to my DuMore split screen for iPhone app. It'll help reset forgotten passwords to access the app and child lock.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dumore-split-screen-multitasking/id1005212883?mt=8

Unknown said...

I'm am trying to set up NY account for work. Its asking for an answer and a confirm answer but when I put in my answer it keeps saying that I need them. I need help please

Unknown said...

I'm am trying to set up NY account for work. Its asking for an answer and a confirm answer but when I put in my answer it keeps saying that I need them. I need help please

Carolyn said...

Any any hacker can find the answers to half of them on your social media profile.

Jacquesbth said...

Given that the context of this post is "Common Security Questions" it hits the nail on the head. But I ask that anyone reading this, please please please DO NOT use these for any app or website. They are very weak and can be easily obtained from any social profile. The more systems we secure, the more secure we all are!