@James Heaver: well, I figured that a person would have tendency to write the sentence in the same way all the time. We all develop certain writing style, and tend to express things in certain ways which don’t really change that much. But you are right, this is a big assumption.

I like the Grapheme color synthesis thing – that could work if we all had this particular trait. Unfortunately I can’t conjure these sort of associations. When I think of letters, I usually visualize them as black on white background. They have no inherent colors. So I’d probably be locked out of my account for good. :P

Spying on her over a long period of time?
I’m not sure this would be possible – correct me if I’m wrong , I don’t use Yahoo – but this is a passwrod /reset/ function, not passwrod /recovery/.

As soon as Palin tried to log in to her account, wouldn’t she notice that her original password wasn’t working?

Regarding the personal questions, I think this is a good idea, but there is the obvious problem of typing the answer in the same way each time. (“Better get home before it rains”, “better get in before the rain” etc etc).

I wonder if there are more scientific base for questions. The thing that sprung to mind – but is limited to a small percentage of the population is Grapheme → color synesthesia.

Among synesthetes, letters each have their own colour – these colours don’t change over time, and the colours are unique to each person. You could then easily ask what colour a particular letter is, or even a random selection of letters (D, F, T, C).

I wonder if there is anything similar common to the general population.

[quote post=”2663″]The thing that is funny about this to me is that the “hacker” could have easily spied on her over a long period of time and it would essentially be the same as the wiretapping that has received so much press attention. Oh, except that it would be illegal [/quote]

Yep, that’s the difference between you and your government. If you do something illegal, you go to jail. If the government does something illegal they pas a law that retroactively makes their actions legal. :P

I think she’s lucky that the person didn’t do anything truly malicious. I could see someone spying on her over a long period of time or even sending out emails under false pretenses. If everyone she works with knows that she uses that public account for government business, someone could easily cause a LOT of trouble by sending out the wrong kinds of emails.

I think the suspect would get off pretty easily if a jury hears the amazing hacking skills he had to employ. A smart defense attorney would have him demonstrate what he did on an example account (it could be set up for a historic figure whose info would be in wikipedia).

The thing that is funny about this to me is that the “hacker” could have easily spied on her over a long period of time and it would essentially be the same as the wiretapping that has received so much press attention. Oh, except that it would be illegal ;)

Well, there is always:

1) Go to Guantanamo if his dad doesn’t save him – You know, he hacked emails! That’s what terrorists do. Next thing you know he’ll be stealing all financial data in the US and ransom them for the central backup of the same data!

2) Get a “thank you” for not doing anything worse, then get inspired and study to be one of the most successful ‘net security consultants ever!

Pardon my cynicism. ;) I think it will go between there, hopefully closer to two than one. I don’t think the dicta… government will dare let him off too easy, as that would be inviting more of the same from others. Pardon my sarcasm too :)