Logging Out of Web Site

[Freerunner]

I was once told that for security purposes, one should always click on the "logout" button on a web site before closing the internet page (i.e. on a banking site or medical site). I was told that this reduces the chance of someone gaining access to the site (versus just closing the web page). Is there any truth to this?

 

[beers]

Usually it's a physical access to the same PC type of issue. Logout kills your cookie so you're forced to provide credentials again. Most bank websites have fairly aggressive expiration timers now, but not all.

Plus a lot of people use one single account for their PCs so any other person could just open your bank tab and log in. There's also 'reopen closed tab' features if the browser was either still up or did a 'restore state' upon next launch.

 

[_Pete_]

EERR yes log out rather than just closing your browser.

 

[Agent Smith]

Always log out. Cookie theft is another possible vector.