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27 Replies Last post: Jan 10, 2009 11:18 AM by mphenterprises Branched to a new thread. 1 2 Previous Next

number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

Jan 9, 2009 7:30 PM

Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

When I'm at home using wired DSL, is there any reason not to be logged into my webmail and PCWorld? I'm not worried about any in-person unauthorized access to my PC. Are there any significant dangers or disadvantages to staying logged in when I'm not using a service?

Message was edited by: number6

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Reply Tags: web, mail, webmail, logoff, internet

crazy4laptops

1,436 posts since
Nov 20, 2007

1. Jan 9, 2009 7:42 PM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

if you browse smart, use a firewall and keep your AV + anti-malware updated you should be fine...

if you do happen to hit a redirect link to the dark side of the internet, there might be a small chance that a rouge server could observe login cookies ...

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number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

2. Jan 9, 2009 7:50 PM

in response to: crazy4laptops

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Hi, crazy4laptops, I do keep AVG updated so that takes care of anti-virus and anti-malware. I decide to go back to Windows firewall since COMODO was taking up too many resources for my weak computer. I would say I have pretty safe browsing practices, too, so I guess I'm alright there.

crazy4laptops wrote: if you do happen to hit a redirect link to the dark side of the internet, there might be a small chance that a rouge server could observe login cookies ...

That's interesting. I hadn't thought of that.

Thanks, crazy4laptops. You have some good considerations for me.

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crazy4laptops

1,436 posts since
Nov 20, 2007

3. Jan 9, 2009 8:13 PM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

if you google alot, try mcafee's siteadvisor

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number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

4. Jan 9, 2009 8:23 PM

in response to: crazy4laptops

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

I do use their site every once in a while if I need an opinion regarding a particular site, but I decided to stop using their Firefox addon and on mcbarker's recommendation, reinstalled the Firefox addon: WOT.

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Flashorn

2,608 posts since
May 19, 2007

5. Jan 9, 2009 8:34 PM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Hey number !!

Yes , I do have allot of services working in Vista but, I also have 3 Gigs of ram !!

OK , there is no danger of not loging out but, the sites you are logged into like

when everything is closed down properly.

If you want to improve your chances of not getting infected then, may I suggest

you look into installing Sandboxie . It is free and will

keep you safe. Lots of us use this service when going surfing. (figuratively)

Two other add-ons that you might consider for Firefox 2 or 3 are :

W.O.T. Web Of Trust . This can be paired with SiteAdvisor

as crazy pointed out.

The second add-on for Firefox 2 or 3 is the Right Click context menu link scanner from

Dr.WebCureIt link scanner . This one even works in IE

and Opera. None of these add-ons will slow your browser.

Good surfing.Keep safe.

FLASHORN.

Free Internet Security - WOT Web of Trust

Patience is Life.

number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

6. Jan 9, 2009 8:48 PM

in response to: Flashorn

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Like I said, I'm using WOT again. I might try Sandboxie and Dr.WebCureIt, though.

By the way, what did you mean by:

Flashorn wrote: . . .

OK , there is no danger of not loging out but, the sites you are logged into like

when everything is closed down properly
.

. . .

FLASHORN.

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Flashorn

2,608 posts since
May 19, 2007

7. Jan 9, 2009 9:01 PM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Hey number !!

When I was on TechNet today I was reminded that I wasn't signed out from

previous visits and they asked me to click on a link so they could close those

sessions. It SEEMS that it interferes with the current session. Go figure!

Which reminds me , I have sign out todays session.

FLASHORN.

Patience is Life.

piyushsingh

2,964 posts since
Jul 21, 2007

8. Jan 9, 2009 10:25 PM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

There are other reasons why you may prefer to log out.
Consider the case of a website updation , if you are logged in , it may lead to some account problems . Its a rare case but it may occur. A few months ago , i was stuck with photobucket this way, The site got hacked when i was logged in and same happened with many others.

Another one is with websites that use session IDs as website address. Some sites use particular session IDs after you log in and use those as URL. Your session ID can be used on some other computer and that system will appear as "you" to the website. That is possible only if the session ID is somehow leaked out or hacked.

number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

9. Jan 10, 2009 2:22 AM

in response to: piyushsingh

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

So, is that why I can login to, say PC World, and I go use another computer and I'm logged in on that one too?

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Flashorn

2,608 posts since
May 19, 2007

10. Jan 10, 2009 4:03 AM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Hey number !!

Once you are logged in to PCW , you can then go on any PC and view your

PCW from wherever . You are logged in to the site , not the PC. As long as

you don't logout from the site , you can view from any PC on the same network.

FLASHORN.

Patience is Life.

number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

11. Jan 10, 2009 7:23 AM

in response to: Flashorn

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Thanks, folks. Each of you has been very helpful. I wish I could give away more points.

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mphenterprises

11,118 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

12. Jan 10, 2009 7:24 AM

in response to: Flashorn

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Flashorn wrote:

Once you are logged in to PCW , you can then go on any PC and view your PCW from wherever . You are logged in to the site , not the PC. As long as
you don't logout from the site , you can view from any PC on the same network.

Hi Flashorn. I have to disagree with this statement. Logging on to a site, and staying logged onto a site, is related to the cookies within the browser, not to the network connection.

Here is an example. My primary browser is Firefox; however, I use Internet Explorer and Chrome as well. I am typing this within Mozilla on my main computer in my computer room. If I open Internet Explorer, on the same computer, and go to pcworld.com, I have to sign in to access features such as the Moderator section or to post a comment while using Internet Explorer. Additionally, if I go to another computer, the one downstairs in the family area, and go to pcworld.com, I have to sign in there as well.

In my opinion, the only reason to log out of a specific site is if you are using a public computer. Other than that, I never log out of sites. The only reason I ever have to log back into a site is if I 1) manually log out of a site or 2) clear the cookies of the browser using the browser settings or CCleaner.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

number6

2,239 posts since
Mar 28, 2008

13. Jan 10, 2009 7:36 AM

in response to: mphenterprises

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Thank you for your inciteful comments. I only log out of sites for the same reasons you mention. I just wasn't sure if it was a good idea so that's why I asked here. Just out of curiosity, why don't you show up in the Who's Online section of people all the time since you don't log out when you don't have to?

I forgot that I could exclude certain cookies from the CCleaner cleaning. I think I'll tell CCleaner not to clear my PC World cookies.

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mphenterprises

11,118 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

14. Jan 10, 2009 7:48 AM

in response to: number6

Re: Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

Hi Number. That is a very interesting question. The answer may surprise you. This is only a theory of mine since I have not heard a definitive answer from the PCWorld technicians but I think after a certain period of idle, I think five minutes, a member is no longer listed as "Online" within the PCWorld forum.

I have tested it a while back using the two browser approach. I would sign into PCWorld using Mozilla and then after a period of inactivity, I would go to PCWorld.com using Internet Explorer to check my status. I think after about five minutes or so of inactivity, an user is considered idle and will no longer be listed as "Online." I will try a test right now to see if I can post some screen shots.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

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Jan 9, 2009 7:30 PM

Is there a reason to log out of web sites?

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