Dear- I heard that I may receive the token device soon. Any experiences are welcomed. 1) If the battery is NOT replaceable, is it roughly 2~3 years of life? 2) Can I ask IB anytime to cancel the device if I do not like it or if it does not work? 3) What if the device does not work while I travel abroad? Should I stop trading and margin-called? Any other BAD possibility in the future use are welcomed to discuss. "Always prepare worst scenario" -Jay
Is there other alternative security method, such as combination numbers printed? Anyone used it before?
You can disable the device for TWS/trading but you'd still need it to login to Account Management. Therefore in practical terms it means you can continue trading but can't deposit or withdraw money nor change any account settings. You can choose your method of security, I went with the card since it has no battery and should I close my account with them, I don't need to mail it back to them (the token must be sent back to IB). I lost the card recently and used a temporary printed card, although they shipped the replacement to me quickly (just took 2 days to another continent). Their CS is generally not great but the Security Device people are very helpful.
Didn't RSA security tokens got hacked a few years back? At least with these cards, the algorithm that generated is locked up at IB not at a firm that is seem as a pot of gold by hackers
Yes, I second the idea that a plastic card with the code combinations is lot more convenient and does not risk technical failures.