If your dog’s name is really Buddy… stop telling your bank that. Here’s the trick I use instead.
Wait—What?
I know, it sounds weird. But here’s the truth: Honesty is dangerous in cybersecurity. Because most of your “secret” answers… aren’t secret at all.
Why Security Questions Are a Joke (and a Risk)
The idea behind security questions was to verify your identity using things only you would know. But let’s be honest:
– Your first pet’s name? Probably posted on Facebook in 2014.
– Your mother’s maiden name? Public record.
– The street you grew up on? Google Maps, LinkedIn, Zillow—take your pick.
In the age of social media and data breaches, security questions have become hacker bait. And if you answer them truthfully, you’re giving attackers all the ammo they need.
Why I Lie (and You Should Too)
So here’s what I do—and it’s saved me more than once: I make up answers.
Totally fictional. Deliberately wrong. But 100% secure.
For example:
– “First pet’s name?” → HabaneroTrampoline78
– “Mother’s maiden name?” → LaserJetBanana
– “Favorite teacher?” → PizzaZeroGravity
These aren’t just random gibberish. They’re consistent lies I’ve logged in my password manager. So if I ever need to recover my account? I’ve got the answers ready.
How to Set Up “Strategic Lies” the Right Way
- Choose a consistent method: Use a password manager to store your fake answers.
- Treat security answers like passwords: Mix in numbers, caps, or inside jokes.
- Use a naming formula if helpful: e.g., Favorite word + number + punctuation.
- Avoid real answers at all costs: Assume anything real is public knowledge.
What Not to Do
– Don’t use the same fake answer for every account.
– Don’t write your lies in a sticky note on your desk.
– Don’t assume you’re safe just because you use 2FA—security questions are often the fallback method.
Real Talk: Lying Isn’t Always Bad
In this case, lying is loving—you’re protecting your identity, your money, your business, and your peace of mind.
Cybercriminals don’t break in like in the movies. They log in—because they found your dog’s name in a baby photo caption.
Final Thought
Tell the truth in life. Lie like a pro in your security settings.
It might be the simplest shift that keeps your accounts locked up tighter than Fort Knox.
