Frequently Asked Questions: End Users

What is a ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID?

A ProtectNetwork E-Credential or UserID is an online digitial identity associated with a user/person. User then use this UserID to securely login to any website on the Internet that is secured using open standard technologies such as SAML, Shibboleth or OpenID.ProtectNetwork E-Credentials are Single Sign-On enabled. This means, you can securely sign-in to lots of websites around the world using one single ProtectNetwork E-Credential.

Are ProtectNetwork E-Credentials/UserID’s Single Sign-On (SSO) enabled?

Yes. Using your ProtectNetwork E-Credential you can securely login to any website that trusts ProtectNetwork logins. This mean you login once into one site and that automatically logs you into all other sites, no need to remember multiple usernames and password.

How long are the ProtectNetwork E-Credentials/UserID’s valid for?

The ProtectNetwork E-Credentials/UserID’s are valid for a year. These UserID’s get renewed automatically each year for use.

Where can I use my ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID?

You may use your ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID at any website that accepts secure ProtectNetwork logins. ProtectNetwork logins are accepted at growing list of sites around the world.If your favorite website is not accessible using ProtectNetwork logins then please do send emails to such website administrators requesting them to support ProtectNetwork logins and refuse to register for yet another user account at their site.

How can I use my ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID at an OpenID site?

Once you are at any OpenID enabled site, then, at the OpenID login prompt, simply type the URL:

Your-ProtectNetwork-ID.protectnetwork.org

This will automatically redirect you to the ProtectNetwork authentication page. On this page you can simply authenticate by inputting your regular ProtectNetwork UserID and password. That’s it, it is that simple!

I forgot my ProtectNetwork password, how can i reset my password?

Simply go to the forgot password page and answer your secret question. Information about your temporary password will be emailed to you at the primary email address associated with your ProtectNetwork user account. The email will outline simple steps that you are required to follow to update your account with a password of your choice.

How can i update/edit my personal information including my password?

Simply access your ProtectNetwork Account page and edit your information online anytime. If you are unable to login because you forgot your password then you will need to reset your password first. Please review the question: how to reset your password, for more details.

I forgot my ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID, how can i recover it?

Simply go to the forgot userID page and answer your secret question. Information on how to recover your UserID will be emailed to you at the primary email address associated with your ProtectNetwork user account.

Is my ProtectNetwork password secure?

Yes. Your ProtectNetwork password is stored encrypted in our secure identity databases. In addition, the ProtectNetwork system provides end-to-end security via SSL so that all information between different end-points is transmitted in a secure encrypted fashion.

Are ProtectNetwork E-Credentials compatible with Google Apps and Apple Itunes?

Yes. Using your ProtectNetwork E-Credentials you can log into Google Apps and Apple Itunes however it requires that your Administrator first provisions you into GoogleApps and Itunes sites.

How do i clear my browser cookies?

In Internet Explorer, select Tools->Internet Options->General/Browsing History->Delete.
In Firefox, select Tools->Options->Privacy.

How much do I have to pay as an End-User for a ProtectNetwork E-Credential/UserID?

ProtectNetwork E-Credentials are available for free to end-users to use for one year. In most cases, we automatically renew the E-Credentials for each year.

I am getting an Error 404 etc..Where can i get help?

If you are looking for help with your ProtectNetwork account, then you can contact our technical support anytime via email at support@protectnetwork.org.

If you are getting an error (such as Error 404 etc.) after you successfully input your ProtectNetwork E-Credentials (username/password), then please ensure that you did not reach the login page from a bookmark. You must access the site first, which will redirect you to the ProtectNetwork login page. If you are doing this and manage to get past the login page but still see an error, then the problem is coming from the website that you are trying to access in the first place. So you may need to contact the technical support for the site instead, as we may not be able to provide much help in such cases. We do not own or manage the website that you are trying to access.