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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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…