Usernames and passwords are crucial for accessing computer applications and protecting sensitive information. They are used in both personal and business settings, and even free services require them for security. Additional measures, such as visual images and character strings, are often used to enhance security. Changing passwords and usernames periodically is recommended to minimize the risk of illegal use.
Usernames are an important component of identification used with many computer applications. Along with a password or passphrase, the username helps identify an end user authorized to access the program and use the resources provided. Without a valid username, it is impossible to access the program.
Using a combination of username and password is common in both business and personal applications. In a business environment, accounting programs, client lists, and inventory lists are protected by username and password. If someone attempts to access a secure directory or database without entering a valid username and password combination, many systems will lock down the station where the attempt occurred, requiring the information systems department to deploy personnel in response to the possible attempted breach .
It is not uncommon for many workstations to require a username login in order to access any data stored on the system’s hard drive. Most of the popular operating systems for desktop and laptop computers offer users the opportunity to create unique names and passwords as part of a security process. When the user leaves the workstation, it effectively locks the workstation from active use while they are away. Upon return, the employee enters the required password-username combination and is able to resume work.
Even free services that many people use will use a combination of username and password to provide some degree of security for their customers. Online e-mail services allow users to establish their own free username and password combinations, thus limiting access to online e-mail boxes. Message boards, chat rooms, and other social networking sites also use names and passwords as a means for new members to create an account and start enjoying the site’s features.
While many online programs and sites require nothing more than a simple username and password combination, the growing number of security breaches and identity theft has led many vendors to request additional information to ensure end-user privacy. One approach is to include a visual image that is confirmed along with the password and unique name before full access is granted. Another common approach is to require the end user to read and enter a string of words or characters in order to minimize the use of sophisticated hacker programs that collect login details and then attempt to use them for illegal purposes.
Many companies recommend at least changing your password on a recurring basis, in order to increase security. However, there are a growing number of entities online that require the end user to change their username as well from time to time. While somewhat inconvenient, this new approach can also help minimize the potential for illegal use of an account and possible damage to the end user’s reputation or finances.
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