26
[Any similarity with reality is pure coincidence and the characters of this short story are just a product of the imagination.]
- Good morning! This is XYZ helpdesk, Gízá speaking. How may I help you?
- My ID is AQ9847DA and I need a new password. Hurry please!
- Good morning again. May I have your name as well?
- Sure, no problem. My name is Eva.
- Thank you very much, Eva. I`ll try to find you in the system.
- I need this password immediately.
- What kind of password would you like?
- MMPX and right now.
- Just spare me a second please and I will give you the new credential.
- Why is so difficult? I don`t have time!
- I`m doing my best, however I must access certain applications.
- What for?
- Just for security reasons.
- It is only a damn password!
- Yes it is. May I ask you the secret question?
- I don`t know what are you talking about, mister.
- You set a while ago a secret security question and the answer for it.
- And?
- And I will ask this question. If you know the answer, I am able to give you a new password.
- OK, let`s do it!
- So, please tell me, Eva: “What is my daughter`s name?”
- How should I know, what is your daughter`s name?!
- Well, this is your secret question in the system.
- I don`t know what`s this bullshit.
- I am asking you a simple thing, Eva. Your secret question.
- OK and what is that?
- I already asked you: “What is my daughter`s name?”
- And I am wondering, again: how the hell should I know your daughter`s name?!
- Look, dear Eva! I do not have a daughter, I have a son.
- I do not get the point anyway! What kind of stupid game is this, mister?
- I can assure you: this is not a game, this is your secret question.
- I don`t understand a thing.
- Without this I cannot give you the new password.
- You must be kiddin` me…
- Eva, I am very serious. With this secret question and the proper answer you will confirm to me that you are not an intruder but the real user. I must know 100 percent sure that I will give the new password to the owner of the account.
- This is a stupid game.
- No, it is not. This is the procedure, and I didn`t make it. So, I will ask you again: “What is my daughter`s name?”
- I am sick and tired of this, mister!
- Please Eva, please try to help me! I`m trying to help you. I know your answer, but I cannot tell you. You must tell me. This is your secret question, you made this security setting. Without the answer you won`t get a new password. I am so sorry, but I cannot do it.
- I don`t need your sorry, I just need the damn password.
- Look, lady! Do you have a daughter or not?
- Yes, I do. I have.
- And what is her name, just tell me please.
- Anita.
- Bingo, this is the right answer.
- And why didn`t you start with this one, mister?!
