Should I stay "logged on" to all websites I visit?

[applefan289]

Many sites, including MacRumors, have an option to "remember me" for when you log back in. I currently share a computer and an iPad with the family, and will soon get an iPhone.

Just from a personal preference standpoint, do you think it is a good idea to leave it logged in or log out after every session?

 

[Firestar]

I think you should be fine as long as you're the only one that uses your current account. I always make them remember me.

 

[Melrose]

I stay logged in to most websites I have accounts on; it's just way too inconvenient (and pointless) for me to log out/log in every. single. time. However, I know I'm the only one who ever uses my machine, ever. And I never save passwords on private stuff like banks, savings accounts, and Amazon.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I stay logged on to the websites I visit. I hate having to log in every time.

 

[Shrink]

I stay logged on to the websites I visit. I hate having to log in every time.

I agree it's a pain in the butt to logon every time you use a site. But do you stay logged on to your bank site, for example. Seems a little risky - I log out.

Just wondering if you feel it's safe.

 

[maflynn]

Forums and the like, I stay on. I see little risks given the nature of the sites.

 

[Shrink]

Forums and the like, I stay on. I see little risks given the nature of the sites.

Agree. No risk there (I never logout of MR - I don't even remember my password any more).

I'm wondering about site such as banking, credit cards, and the like. Seems risky to not logout from those sites.

 

[samiwas]

I agree it's a pain in the butt to logon every time you use a site. But do you stay logged on to your bank site, for example. Seems a little risky - I log out.

Just wondering if you feel it's safe.

Almost all bank-type sites will log you out automatically after a short period of inactivity. My bank, for instance, is so quick that it sometimes logs me out while I'm actively going over my finances. Actually, pretty much every financial site I use logs me out after a few minutes of inactivity, so I don't think it's an issue to not log off. If I am using a public computer, or someone else's computer, I always log off of everything.

 

[applefan289]

Wasn't expecting too many answers with my odd question...but thanks. I've come to the conclusion, that, on the "family" computer, it's okay to stay logged on to sites like MacRumors (that only I use). I should, however, log out of account-based purchasing sites like eBay, etc. if I don't want a sibling or other family member to use my account.

But if we're dealing with a personal device, like an iPhone, I can do whatever I want.

 

[Shrink]

Almost all bank-type sites will log you out automatically after a short period of inactivity. My bank, for instance, is so quick that it sometimes logs me out while I'm actively going over my finances. Actually, pretty much every financial site I use logs me out after a few minutes of inactivity, so I don't think it's an issue to not log off. If I am using a public computer, or someone else's computer, I always log off of everything.

You're right. I completely forgot that those sites log out automatically. Old man... lousy memory... you understand!

Now, what was I saying...

 

[maflynn]

I'm wondering about site such as banking, credit cards, and the like. Seems risky to not logout from those sites.

With any site that deals with confidential material, like my banking records, I opt to log out of the site before closing. While I see little risk with staying on at MR on my very own computer, I feel the risk vs. reward is skewed to the other end of the spectrum and I'm better off playing it safe.

 

[applefan289]

With any site that deals with confidential material, like my banking records, I opt to log out of the site before closing. While I see little risk with staying on at MR on my very own computer, I feel the risk vs. reward is skewed to the other end of the spectrum and I'm better off playing it safe.

Yeah, that's why I created this thread. I'm tied between playing it safe and having to log in every time vs. the easy route and leaving it logged in.

I've come to the conclusion that for sites like MacRumors and other forums, etc. it's probably better to stay logged in.

But for purchasing sites like Amazon/eBay, etc. it's better to log out. Of course, I'm talking about a shared computer. If it's your own computer (especially if you're living on your own), you can do whatever you want.

But I'm on a shared computer. If I ever got my own computer (or iPhone), even though I live with people, I would still do whatever I want. But on the family computer, I usually leave it logged in to the family's account and only sign in to my account when I need to.

 

[Designer Dale]

The Remember Me option lives on the server side, so if your computer is stolen or accessed by a creep you are vulnerable.

Regarding finances, log in.
Regarding stuff/social and such, stay logged in.


Dale

 

[r1ch4rd]

The Remember Me option lives on the server side, so if your computer is stolen or accessed by a creep you are vulnerable.

Dale

It lives on the client side, which is why having your laptop stolen is a problem. The laptop is the client.

 

[Macky-Mac]

Depends on the people you share with.

My nephew loves to play pranks on me and if I left an account logged on, there would be all sorts of things being posted using my account

 

[Daffodil]

I stay logged in to most websites I have accounts on; it's just way to inconvenient (and pointless) for me to log out/log in every. single. time. However, I know I'm the only one who ever uses my machine, ever. And I never save passwords on private stuff like banks, savings accounts, and Amazon.

^This is exactly where I'm at. Nobody else uses my computer, so I don't see the point in logging out of most sites. And all banking stuff signs itself out (though I do usually press the log out button out of habit), so problem solved.