The University of Texas at Austin

WebSpace

Browser Stores EID Credentials When Using HTTP Basic Authentication

Following a direct link to a WebSpace file or directory (e.g. https://webspace.utexas.edu/eid/foldername) bypasses the Xythos Web UI and presents you with your browser's HTTP Basic Authentication prompt:

Http Basic Authentication Prompt

When logging in through the HTTP Basic Authentication prompt, your browser stores your EID credentials to use when additional requests for the file or directory are made. Depending on your browser settings, the credentials may remain stored, even if the browser is closed and re-opened, until cookies are cleared.

What can I do?

The suggestions below will ensure your EID credentials are not stored beyond your browsing session.

  • If you decide to log in through the HTTP Basic Authentication prompt, clear your browser cookies once your WebSpace session is complete.

  • You can avoid the HTTP Basic Authentication Prompt by logging in to WebSpace through the Xythos Web UI and then following the direct link to the file or directory. Make sure to click Logout when your WebSpace session is complete.

  • If you regularly access a specific directory in WebSpace, you can easily get to the directory by adding a WebSpace bookmark. To add a bookmark:

    1. Log in to WebSpace.
    2. At the top-left of the WebSpace UI, click the star icon, and select Manage Bookmarks.

    3. At the top-right of the Manage Booksmarks page, click the Bookmark button.

    4. Name the bookmark, add the path to the WebSpace directory (e.g. "/eid/foldername"), and click OK.
    5. To access this directory in the future, log in to WebSpace, click the star icon, and select the bookmark you created. Make sure to click Logout when your WebSpace session is complete.

Last updated June 8, 2012 @ 2:25 pm

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