The spelling of "account lockout" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "account," is pronounced /əˈkaʊnt/ with a schwa sound for the first syllable and a diphthong /aʊ/ for the second syllable. The second word, "lockout," is pronounced /ˈlɒkaʊt/ with a short o sound for the first syllable, a diphthong /aʊ/ for the second syllable, and a t sound at the end. "Account lockout" refers to the prevention of access to a user's computer or online account due to invalid login attempts.
Account lockout is a security measure employed by various computer systems, particularly in the realm of user authentication and access control. It involves a temporary or permanent restriction placed on a user's account as a result of multiple unsuccessful login attempts. The purpose of account lockout is to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to a system or network.
When a user enters an incorrect password or login credentials multiple times, the system detects this suspicious activity and initiates the account lockout process. The specific number of failed login attempts required to trigger the lockout can vary depending on the system's configuration.
During an account lockout, the user is denied further access to their account for a predetermined period of time or until an administrator manually unlocks it. This action effectively prevents any further login attempts from that account, thwarting potential brute-force attacks or unauthorized entry attempts.
Account lockout often serves as an effective defense mechanism against hackers who attempt to gain access to systems by repeatedly guessing passwords. By limiting login attempts, the lockout feature helps protect user accounts and ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data or perform specific actions.
Implementing account lockout policies is typically considered a best practice in information security, as it adds an additional layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer systems.
The word "account lockout" is composed of two elements: "account" and "lockout".
The term "account" originated from the Old French word "acompte", meaning "a reckoning or settlement of accounts". It further derived from the Latin word "computare", which means "to calculate or reckon".
The word "lockout" emerged in the late 19th century and is derived from the verb "lock out". It refers to the action of preventing someone from entering a premises or accessing a service by locking the doors or blocking their access.
When combined, "account lockout" refers to the action of restricting or blocking access to a user's account due to certain security measures or circumstances.