Passwords not so Private

[SARGE]

Seems like a good idea for tech support, but what if...

http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,53208,00.html

[ssahl]

I provide over the phone tech support for a tax software, which lets you efile returns and print checks and so forth. The IRS drains our computers there every 12 hours. You wouldnt beleive the information tech support has access to. If you think a username and password is bad... But I also have to say that alot of the people calling in are already pretty pi**ed off and want there problem fixed like RIGHT NOW! Having this information and pulling up there file(s) is a big help (this is an understatement) in getting these users all fixed up and happy again, especially being it's 24 hour support (during tax season) and someone from the east coast calls needing help, telling them I cant help them out call back in the morning would not go over very well, especially considering what they had to pay for the software.

[doctorgonzo]

I think Earthlink's fixin' for trouble. They are violating a basic rule of security. Sure, people may want things to be fixed NOW, but when some disgruntled employee takes those passwords and sells them to people looking for free internet access and/or a place to do illegal activities without being traced, it won't be good.