PayPal security key

hendricius · #1 05-15-2008, 01:10 PM

The PayPal security key is an add on to your PayPal account for superior protection of sensitive bank data. PayPal says that you will have an a lot securer account when you are using the new external key module.

The paypal security key module is around 5 centimeter long and 2 centimeter broad. The color is dark Grey. The module weights 50 gram. Note, paypal calls it "Security key". I think it should better be called, "Security module". Just for your understanding, as I am mixing both words in this short review.

Here a picture:

It works relatively easy. You have to register the security key with your PayPal account by entering 2 numbers which your module generates and the serial number of the module itself. Once you did that your module is activated.

The following log ins then require a key generated by your module in order to be able to log in. Those keys can be generated by pressing a button on the module. To log in after you activated your security key you just have to append the generated security to your password. The generated key changes every 30 seconds and is only valid for one PayPal session.

I am quite satisfied with this security addition. Even if someone steals your PayPal password they will not be able to access your account unless they also steal your security module from home. An interesting question nonetheless occurs: how does the generation of the security key actually work? PayPal keeps it private. And as history has shown, encryption algorithms that are only secure because they are private, are not safe.

boudin · #2 05-15-2008, 01:37 PM

and how will you get this small things ? I'm not a paypal user but will you have to buy it on paypal .. and they will send it to you ? or you will be able to go in any store to buy it ?

still thx for sharing +no rep

that's because you asked

j/k

hendricius · #3 05-16-2008, 10:08 PM

yep. You buy it and then they send it to you via mail.

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Poosc · #4 05-16-2008, 10:14 PM

lol thats awesome as even if you get keylogged they can't actually steal all your money

hendricius · #5 05-17-2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poosc

lol thats awesome as even if you get keylogged they can't actually steal all your money

Yep. That's what I like about it hence my PayPal was once stolen. It nearly cost me 300$ hehe.