How the Sign-in Process Works
What are cookies?
To explain how the Sign In process works, it’s important to understand what a Cookie is. Wikipedia provides a good definition:
“A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is used for an origin website to send state information to a user’s browser and for the browser to return the state information to the origin site. The state information can be used for authentication, identification of a user session, user’s preferences, shopping cart contents, or anything else that can be accomplished through storing text data.”
Basically, cookies are small text files that websites can save onto your computer to aid in providing a smoother user experience. Often cookies accomplish this without your knowing. Have you ever gotten to the end of an online form, only to have your Browser crash, forcing you to have to re-enter everything in? Cookies can help prevent this from happening.
Many people consider cookies to be suspicious, and will clear cookies at any opportunity. Cookies are not spyware or viruses and, by themselves, will not harm your computer. If your computer already has spyware on it, it is probably best to find a way to remove the spyware. Clearing cookies alone will not remove any spyware or viruses from your computer.
Upon entering your password to sign into the MLSListings system, the system checks your computer for a cookie that should have been saved from your first successful login. If the system cannot find this cookie, you are taken through the Strong Authentication. You will then be given the choice of either answering your security questions (QnA) or requesting a One-Time Password (OTP). If you pass the Authentication, you get the cookie. The system will then ask for your password a 2nd time to verify the cookie.
Browser Settings
Normally, all the settings for enabling cookies are found within your Browser. For help on setting up your Browser for optimal performance on MLSListings, please review our recommended settings.
Recommended Settings for Internet Explorer
Recommended Settings for Firefox
Some companies have their network set up to block cookies. This is usually done through 3rd party software or network security settings. You may need to contact an IT person for support on disabling or re-configuring the network to allow cookie access for MLSListings.