Curious: Why Random Usernames?

[recursive]

I have 2 domains hosted with TCH and have been nothing but pleased with the service. The first one I got over a year ago. When I signed up for it, I was allowed to choose a username. When I recently signed up for a second domain, it chose a seemingly random username for me automatically. Reading through the forum, I see that this an official policy.

 

Not saying it should be changed. I'm just curious why this is. I am worried that I might forget my new username since it seems to be some nonsensical string of characters. What's the benefit of auto-generated usernames over chosen ones? Or at least what happens if I forget my username?

[MikeJ]

Random usernames protect against hackers who attempt to bruteforce accounts that may have common or easily guessable usernames. Basically, it's a security measure... it helps protect your account from being compromised.

 

Btw, if you ever forget your username, just submit a helpdesk ticket (put dontknow for the username) and someone will help get you the info.

Edited April 27, 2004 by TCH-MikeJ

[recursive]

Ahhh. Yes, that makes sense. Speedy response too. Thumbs Up

 

I should have thought of that. I knew there must be some benefit to it. I will put my username in a safe place and make every effort not to lose it, but I'm still curious. What normally happens in the event that someone loses their username?

[Alan]

What normally happens in the event that someone loses their username?,

 

The user will need to submit a ticket into the help desk 'Link at the top of forums'

 

The staff member will then ask for some info, such as the last 4 digits of the CC you used on signup, phone number, address.

 

After they are convinced you are the owner, they will get the username for you then give it to you.

[TCH-Don]

If you need help to remember user names and passwords

try AnyPassword, an encripted password keeper.

See freebies on the TCH help site

 

And

Welcome to the Family

 

and your new home!

 

We really are like family here.

So if you need anything,

just ask your new family!

We love to help

[Alan]

Yes, I used the APasswords program for awhile.

 

And it was great, it is very easy to use, and very capable of holding the passwords.

 

I forgot about it after I last reformatted.

 

I also print out all of my invoices / passwords. All of which are kept in a notebook.

 

Hehe, my memory is soo bad, I have my Messengers set to logg all of the conversations I have.

[TCH-Don]

I save the file to another drive and a floppy.