Live ID Character Recognition Test ... Can you see it?

Windows Live ID Security Test

The above image says that there are 8 (eight) characters in it.

Initially, the J that is hidden between the 8 and the B was missed. However, we had to cycle through at least 3 (three) of these images before one had all of the characters legible enough to actually make them out in the above example.

Okay folks, yes ... some of us may be indeed visually challenged! :*O

However, when it gets to the point where one has to continually cycle through the images to find one that is reasonably legible, we have a problem.

Does this indicate that the malicious software that reads those images has gotten that good? Probably.

However, when it becomes easier for a machine to read the image versus a human being, things may have gotten a little out of hand.

It is time to look at some other alternatives.

By the way, don't even bother trying to make out the auditory clue if you have some sort of hearing challenge ... might as well be at a bar having a beer and trying to pick up on the conversation!

For service providers: Any type of "Security" initiative for a service that hinders a user from signing up or using the service does itself a disservice. Keep in mind that the "Security" initiative impedes a significant number of the population from using it!

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

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