Rules to Better User Authentication - 8 Rules

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#1
Do you use right terms for user authentication?
The words we choose can significantly impact user experience. One such area of careful consideration is the language surrounding user authentication.
#2
Do you have a user friendly registration and sign in screen?
For a website that expects a lot of first-time visitors, it is wise to put the user registration form on the same page as the sign in dialog. This saves having the user click on another link to enter their details.
#3
Do you use email address instead of username?
It is easier for users to remember their frequently accessed email address more so than one of their many usernames. For this reason, it is best to use email address instead of username for the sign in page.
#4
Do you have a 'Forgot your password' link?
Users often forget their passwords — the key to accessing their accounts. To handle this, include a "Forgot your password?" link on the sign-in page.
#5
Do you have a 'Remember me' checkbox?
It is always good to provide the user with an option to have their username and password remembered. Doing so means they don't have to type them again.
#6
Do you have a 'Sign me in automatically' checkbox?
When you present visitors to your site with an opportunity to sign in, you should always include an option to have that person signed in automatically.
#7
Do you make the logged in state clear?
Remember to make the "logged in" state clear enough to help the user know the current state.
#8
Do you show a 'Sign out' link next to the username?
Although most of the sites have a 'Log off' submenu, we recommend adding a short cut next to the username, this will make the 'log Off' operation more convenient.