Why is authenticated login required in the labs and classrooms?

Authenticated login increases your security as a lab user by discouraging unauthorized people from outside the University community from using your labs. It also helps protect the U.Va. network - and all its users - by making it more difficult for individuals to use anonymous public machines to launch cyber attacks against other computers, both on Grounds and off.

Threats to the security of computer users and networks continue to escalate worldwide. Authenticated login is a necessary strategy in providing students, faculty, and staff with a safe computing environment.

Why does the computer automatically log me out if I haven't done anything for 14 minutes?

The automatic logout feature is there for your protection. If you forget to log out from a machine when you leave - something that happens frequently in the labs - someone else could come along behind you and continue your session. That person can then access any personal files you've left open, or mount a cyber attack on another computer using your ID as a cover. Automatic logout reduces your exposure to unauthorized use of your personal information, vandalism, and identity theft.

© 2009 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

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