Targeted?

[NutmegCT]

... I'm thinking that there is a too-rapidly growing list of processes and procedures that have become dependent on fragile and vulnerable technology.

Ah, the rush to adopt what we don't really understand.

Just sign me:

 

[NutmegCT]

or if you have your red/blue glasses handy -

 

[BustedKnuckles]

you're a dinosaur!

eeyuppp....youbetcha!!

 

[Basil]

I'm sure that creates a secure transaction but how does the bank handle transactions made by people like me who have no need for a smart phone and so don't own one.

I remember the Blackberry outage of some years ago...almost created a panic. I'm thinking that there is a too-rapidly growing list of processes and procedures that have become dependent on fragile and vulnerable technology.

This kind of technology doesn't need a smart phone. There is an alternate way of getting the random number. For example, at my work, we have a "Virtual Private Network" (VPN) that allows us to log into the company's network. Each of us is issued a little "dongle" that generates a random number that is in sync with our VPN. Each persons' dongle generates different numbers based on the dongle's serial number, so no two dongles generate the same numbers. Logging into the VPN requires a user name, a password (we choose) plus the random number, which changes every 30 seconds.

So this technology could be used for more secure credit card transactions without need for an iPhone. Of course the technology could be optional so that if some folks don't want to bother with more secure transactions, they could opt out.

 

[DrEntropy]

As a 'Rent-a-Geek,' I see this as a race. With the lemmings in the lead. On the whole we've accepted these various machines as fully formed from the start, allowed them to become the backbone of society in most 'developed' countries. A few insightful folks have lead this acceptance, relying on (predictable) human nature's willingness to embrace convenience over responsibility. Wouldn't matter whether we're talking "computers" or the Clovis point.

The jury's still out but I would argue: the Clovis point will prove to have been a more beneficial development for us humans than the "digital revolution" in the end.

At least the dinosaurs didn't volunteer for their own extinction.

 

[waltesefalcon]

I don't worry about such things as being hacked through my credit card. I don't use one, I am a strictly cash kind of guy. The only thing I have to worry about is being knocked over the head by someone, and my wallet stolen.