[UPDATE: This site has been taken down - it was an experiment by Google]
A few sites have mentioned an undocumented method of logging into Gmail (or iGoogle) without typing your password.
Why is that a good thing? Well, if you're using a computer you don't trust (such as in an internet café/hostel/hotel) then a keystroke logger or other malware won't be able to capture your password.
You need to install a QR Reader on your phone - there are lots out there such as Norton Snap QR reader or QRRreader (free). These readers can interpret codes like the one in this article.
To use the system:
- On the untrusted PC navigate to http://accounts.google.com/sesame
- Start your QR reader and point the camera phone at the code that appears on the PC monitor
- [The first time you do it you will need to link your phone to your Google account]
- Click the Gmail button on your phone to log in. The browser window on the PC will magically show your Gmail account!
This system also allows you to have a really long (and more secure) password that even you can't remember. Just use this whenever you want to log in on a PC or laptop!
Oh, and Google - we'd love some info on how clicking a browser button on a phone then sends a redirect to the PC in question!
© Andrew Calvin 2012
Oh, and Google - we'd love some info on how clicking a browser button on a phone then sends a redirect to the PC in question!
© Andrew Calvin 2012
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