Security devices are available to ALL customers free of charge. Interactive Brokers has developed a Secure Transaction Program and offers its customers, at no charge or for a nominal fee, one of several types of small Security Devices. These Security Devices are physical cards or electronic number generators that are used to produce unique passwords required to login and trade or conduct financial transactions through IB. Because physical possession of a customer's Security Device is required in order to conduct transactions in an IB account, internet hackers or identity thieves that may have stolen only your username and password online will not be able to conduct trades or remove funds from your account.
Perhaps you could give us all some reason as to WHY this device "sucks". I've been using this device since it first became available to wire money, and later since it was required to log into the system in general. It's easy to use, and it provides additional safety. OldTrader
(yawn) I didn't say the device sucks - it does exactly what it is supposed to. Having to use it sucks - it is not convenient for me to keep it with me at all times. Glad to hear that you enjoy yours so much and like the additional security it provides.
i like it so far, though i had problems activating it so how does it work? my guess is that there is an algorythm that generates numbers every X minutes......and the ib website also has the same algorythm that generates the same number every X minutes i think BOA has a program where they text u a password to your cellphone everytime u want to withdraw money.
Yawn. I didn't say that I enjoyed it so much. I said "It's easy to use, and it provides additional safety.". But thanks for clarifying that the device is not convenient for you. LOL. OldTrader
I have many accounts that do not have security tokens and none have been hijacked. Imagine that. I applaud IB for making them available - but they shouldn't have shoved them down customer's throats. It should have be an option and other security alternatives (which have already been discussed here before) should have been offered as well.
Of course, the odds are highly in your favor. I travel and they are a must have. They're all on a keychain and a pia, but I sleep better.