The ramblings of Boris Fangwitt:
Now what are my logins, passwords and Pin numbers?
Oh how often do we say that? How many logins do we have as well as pin numbers for cards, apps and streaming sites.
That brings me to memory. We think we have a fantastic memory for codes, passwords and numbers. Choosing many varied answers to keep ourselves safe from hackers. And rightly so, otherwise if we pick the same combination we become susceptible.
But we do rely on our memory to keep these codes and passwords safe.
We could put them down on a piece of paper or a document to help in the event of forgetting these vital pieces of information. But where would we keep this backup information? Would we forget where we kept it? Or should we risk it and keep everything the same? That last suggestion is a definite no.
As we get older we strain at remembering these snippets of information. It’s completely different to when our parents/grandparents were living in a time with no automated cash machines, computer sites and need to keep vital information to access money and services. No need for all this modern paraphernalia when you just have terrestrial TV, a bank book and cheque book. No password or pin required for a simple landline telephone. Money paid in cash by your employer every Thursday or your Giro or pension paid in cash over the post office counter.
Our lives are full of logins, passwords and pin numbers, that have to be kept secret and varied. I suppose it can help with biometrics such as face recognition. (Not very good if your wife needs to access your phone that you left at home). I remember seeing a crime series when a victim had died. The investigating officer held the victims phone in front of their face to gain access. So don’t fall asleep on a train leaving your phone on the table in front of you.
Memory is key, literally the key to accessing the tech that controls your life.
So how do you manage your life when your memory is not good? Especially when trying to remember numbers and made up words and combinations that increase our security.
Decluttering our lives from having too many things to actually remember is a good idea. Face recognition is one good way, so long as you have the right device to accept such technology.
And having a backup process. I love backups for a reboot to my ineffective memory. I just have to remember where I put my backup. I have a physical way of remembering by sharing my confidential information with my wife. Well, not the actual information, just where I keep my backup. Although I think she knows some of my pin numbers. Unless I really do keep purchasing nice clothes and bags for her every month. Maybe that’s the clause in my backup contract with her. But I can’t remember having one. Memory is all about trust, be if from trusting yourself to remember or trusting those around you to remember for you. That is if you can remember who you can trust in the first place.
Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Ah yes, those dreaded login details, passwords and pin numbers. You have a choice, remember them for each account, card or website, use biometrics such as face recognition or best of all abandoned them in favour of good old traditional technology. Wallet/purse with actual money in, a land line and straight forward terrestrial TV. Or just get your partner to do it for you.
I can’t remember why I wanted to write this post. Well heyho till next time…..
BRIAN MACK 