NationStates Jolt Archive

Before changing my password in settings, I should have to type in my current password.
If I were to leave my computer alone at school, because nature was suddenly calling, some random fool could hack in, change my password, log out and have MY nation.
Please say this is possible.

I reckon this feature would be a good idea. But leaving a computer alone when you're logged in (to an account on that system, not NS) isn't a good idea in any case, since people could do all sorts of other nasty stuff (move/rename/delete files, delete unsaved documents, change random words in an essay you're typing, etc.). Better to save any in-progress work and log out, or get it to demand the password before restoring control if such an option is available.

I reckon this feature would be a good idea. But leaving a computer alone when you're logged in (to an account on that system, not NS) isn't a good idea in any case, since people could do all sorts of other nasty stuff (move/rename/delete files, delete unsaved documents, change random words in an essay you're typing, etc.). Better to save any in-progress work and log out, or get it to demand the password before restoring control if such an option is available.

That is a valid point, but there are circumstances were leaving a computer unattended is unavoidable.

For example, in schools the program USERNET askes you if you wish to leave before it does so.

If you click log off and did not notice it was asking this, someone could click cancel and still be in your account.

It wouldn't really make a difference as people could just change the e-mail address listed to their own and mail out a new password to themself.

No matter what precautions are taken to protect any type of passworded web page, e-mail account, or nation, etc. etc. etc., someone out there will be able to get around it and get in if they really wanted to do so.

The best protection is prevention. Things like choosing a password nobody would know, random passwords, and simply logging out even if one has to answer the call of nature. :wink: