ChatterBank3 mins ago
Barclays Pin Sentry
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How does barcalys Pin Sentry work?
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Generically the way these devices work is from the ID code on the back, which would have set up to be associated with your account at the outset. So although it produces what appears to be a random number, it is actually pseudo-random in that the secutity recognition device at Barclays as you sign in recognises that the code you entered is of a type that must have been produced by the local device that you have been given. Clearly few people know what algorithm links the two together, but the main point is that just knowing one security number presented by the device on one occasion (by skimming your details) doesn't help - I guess because the central device remembers what code was (validly) used by you last time around - and it will only work with a differently generated code on the subsequent occasion. There must be hundreds of combinations before the local device repeats itself.
It is a time-synchronous keypad machine. The pinsentry takes the shared secret (pin) and the time and encrypts it providing a magic number (8 digit number). The Barclays bank computer, using a very clever piece of software, algorithm, de-crypts the magic number and bingo, you have access to your bank account.(There is a specific time frame for the magic number to be entered into you internet banking system. If the time is exceeded you cannot gain entry and so need another magic number from the pin sentry). Simple really!!!
It is a time-synchronous keypad machine. The pinsentry takes the shared secret (pin) and the time and encrypts it providing a magic number (8 digit number). The Barclays bank computer, using a very clever piece of software, algorithm, de-crypts the magic number and bingo, you have access to your bank account.(There is a specific time frame for the magic number to be entered into you internet banking system. If the time is exceeded you cannot gain entry and so need another magic number from the pin sentry). Simple really!!!