Can you be linked by previous passwords and secret answers

ebabe · #1 02-09-2015

Im asking this so other members can take percations, but I really do think its possible for Ebay or Paypal to link previous accounts by previous secret questions and answers.

Lets say on an old ebay account the secret question was ''what was the name of your first pet'', and your answer is Mobydick, and then that account got banned so you create another stealth ebay or PP account, and you choose the same question and answer ''Mobydick''. Can they track and link you?

I think so, the answer is not encrypted, heck I even make sure my password is different then previous accounts.

For this reason I always use a different password then previous accounts, and different answers to the secret questions. I just make sure to save the answers on paper and on my pc.

jakobrockz · #2 02-09-2015

I think they'd have to have LOTS more evidence for linkage if they even considered including the security question answers for suspension

trosky · #3 02-09-2015

Very good example of how everything should be different.

I do the same, all secret questions different, as well as passwords.

Ebay can't see your password but they encrypted and used something called a hash and that's what it's stored in the database, but it's possible depending on how they do it that the same password produces the same hash key and they can link by that if you use the same one across accounts.

Obviously ebay don't link you based in these things alone and I doubt their bots look for this similarities at all, but if your account becomes an issue that an employee has to look at and there are possible links all this little details become key between getting linked or not.

jakobrockz · #4 02-09-2015

I think we should all put together a fund to hire a hacker/programmer team and figure out the exact methods eBay uses to link accounts

ebabe · #5 02-09-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakobrockz

I think we should all put together a fund to hire a hacker/programmer team and figure out the exact methods eBay uses to link accounts

What we need is an angry ex ebay employer to disclose all

I wonder if there are any ex ebay employers on here?

Freestyle2384 · #6 02-10-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebabe

What we need is an angry ex ebay employer to disclose all

I wonder if there are any ex ebay employers on here?

jakobrockz · #7 02-10-2015

I'm assuming that you were an employee... I want to know about your experience working there!!

123 · #8 02-10-2015

would be very unlikely to get linked just on that / but thats an easy thing to avoid doing the same so why take the risky anyways just use a different pw and answer

GreenBean · #9 02-10-2015

I think we should start measuring each other for tin foil hats.

Follow the admirable advice of 123.

Use new passwords. Dont tempt fate.

GreenBean · #10 02-10-2015

Oh, ebay. Why do you do this to us.

ooooo.halo · #11 02-10-2015

Yes, your answers should be different plus passwords to be on the safe side.

For fathers middle name, best childhood friend etc...i just made them up and keep a note of them all.

For passwords, i have some pretty ridiculous ones that are not even.close to past used ones.

RosieTosie · #12 02-10-2015

Yes, everything different means everything different, who knows really how much of our info they can check. I lost one on my previous accounts for linking and the person it was linked to had used the same password, a football team as it turned out! It wasn't the only reason for the link but it will have done its bit to attract that unwanted attention!

rsot · #13 02-10-2015

Using new passwords is suprisingly easy

and no laziness.

eternity4u · #14 02-10-2015

I always keep password separate.

For example
My user I'd is like sunshine. I would make my password something to do with the sun.

I always found this method works and I seem to remember all my password by heart.

RosieTosie · #15 02-10-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by eternity4u

I always keep password separate.

For example
My user I'd is like sunshine. I would make my password something to do with the sun.

I always found this method works and I seem to remember all my password by heart.

Agreed eternity4u, using passwords and userID's that have a little 'prompt' in then like you have shown here is a super way to remember them as well, and who doesn't need a bit of a prompt!

MM78 · #16 02-10-2015

Why in the he** would people make multiple stealths with exactly the same Security Questions and exactly the same Answers.......I guess common sense is a rare thing these days.