This bank has some really weird security questions on its website

Which plant do you like or dislike?
 By 
Manish Singh
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Often, security questions on websites aren't as difficult as security researchers would like.

An Indian bank may have addressed that issue, but it reportedly took a weird route to get there.

Journalist Rohin Dharmakumar was greeted by some very strange questions when registering with the State Bank of India.

In addition to typical questions such as one’s favourite sports commentator or where they met their spouse, the state-run bank has also shown interest in the website "you rarely visit" and the "plant you like or dislike." The bank also asks about your "neighbours pet’s name," if that works for you.

Security questions are quickly becoming a relic of the early internet, with many services ditching this security option with two-factor authentication.

And there’s a reason for that shift. In 2015, Google researchers published a paper outlining how easy it was for attackers to guess the secret answer to a question.

The paper revealed that as many as 37 percent of people give bogus answers, which more often than not they don't remember. It also said in aggregate these fake answers were so similar that they were easy to guess.

In SBI's defense, it likely didn't decide the questions (some security firm did), and its questions aren't the silliest.

CARD ID: 146870, CARD TYPE: Imgur

Topics Cybersecurity

Mashable Image
Manish Singh

Manish Singh was a Mashable's senior correspondent in India. He has previously freelanced with CNET, NDTV Gadgets, BGR India, and MediaNama.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How AdultFriendFinder subscriptions appear on your bank statement
By Jack Dawes
AFF logo appearing through microscope on phone

Stay juiced up anywhere with 25% off the Anker Prime Power Bank
Anker Prime Power Bank on green and lime green abstract background

Clawdbot AI security risks you need to know before trying it
Two digitally animated hands.

'KPop Demon Hunters' director shouts out HUNTR/X in Golden Globe speech
Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, and Michelle Wong speak onstage during the Golden Globe Awards.

Updating your security mindset: Keep your data private and your devices secure
By PCMag
Cyber Security

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!