O.T. GOOGLE HI-JACK ????

[MartcasterJunior]

The "I am not a robot" thing is quite common in websites where you need to sign in, although it's usually done with a picture of some letters/numbers which you then have to type into a box. It's called "captcha" (don't know what it stands for, can't be bothered to Google it). In this case I believe there's some code in the background which can tell that you've manually ticked the box using a mouse (rather than an automated script doing it).

The purpose is to prevent people writing automated scripts which hit the login system thousands of times trying to guess your password, and then using it for nefarious purposes.

So, in summary, it's not childishness, it's protecting your email security. Be thankful it's there.

[anniv 63]

Thanks for your comment on this Matt.
I checked on all help/info that Virgin Media offer online, but could find no reference to this
particular security change that started last week.
They are quick enough to advise special offers, upgrades etc by e mail, but not this security change,
at least to my Virgin Account.
Sorry Matt ,but I am from the generation that does not really like Mr Bransons "Cool Speak Policies"!!!!
Far easier to advise or recommend a password change if needed I.mh.o
One positive , the fast broadband supplied is good!!!

Mike

[MartcasterJunior]

The thing is, if your account is compromised, then it's too late to recommend a password change at that point - and it's not always easy to tell that someone has got hold of your password in the first place. Prevention is better than cure etc.

The only alternative is to change your password every time you log in, which is WAY more inconvenient than having to click on the pictures (I'm a Virgin customer and had to do it for the first time this evening). Sadly, they keep having to design new systems to keep up with the equally clever hackers, who are usually one step ahead of the game.