Occasionally I’ll encounter sign-in processes that have a field for a username, password, and then beside them is some random picture. It’s always different. Maybe it’s a hot air balloon, or a dog, or a lighthouse (lighthouses rule). In any case, I didn’t choose it as my “key” or anything. It’s just… there. What purpose does it serve? I assume it’s for some form of security, but how does it work?
In: Technology
The random picture you see next to the username and password fields is likely part of a “visual authentication” or “visual cue” system used for security. Here’s how it works, explained simply:
The picture doesn’t directly relate to your password, and you didn’t choose it. Instead, it serves as a small way to confirm that the website you’re logging into is real and safe to use. Scammers sometimes create fake websites that look exactly like the real ones to trick you into entering your login information. These fake websites can steal your username and password.
By showing you a random picture every time (like a dog, lighthouse, or hot air balloon), the website is making sure that if you ever log in and *don’t* see a picture, or the process feels different, it might mean you’re on a fake site. It’s a little nudge to double-check that you’re in the right place before you enter your info.
So, it’s not a direct part of your security, but it’s there to help you recognize if something’s wrong and avoid scams.
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