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Logging On

What Does Logging On?

Logging on is a security measure that is enforced before allowing users to gain access to a computer system, a network, an email account or a restricted area of a website. The procedure typically requires users to provide identification information such as a username or email. It is also the simplest way to protect a system from outsiders.

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Logging on is also known as logging in, signing in and signing on.

Techopedia Logging On

In order for users to gain entry to a restricted system, they must first log on with specific information, which can be one or a combination of the following:

  • User name and a password
  • Public key infrastructure certificate
  • Token
  • Biometric information

For additional security, some systems require a two-step authentication, which requires obtaining additional information from the users, such as answers to some personal questions. As a precautionary measure, some websites such as those of banks automatically log out a user if he/she is inactive for a considerable time.

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