PNC Pinacle Information Center logoPNC Pinacle Information Center
Plain-language definitions

Access and browser troubleshooting glossary

Authentication

The process used to verify that a person or device is allowed to continue.

Browser cache

Stored copies of page resources that can improve speed but may occasionally become stale.

Cookie

A small data item a website may use to maintain session state or preferences.

MFA

Multi-factor authentication, which requires more than one verification factor.

Redirect loop

A condition in which a browser repeatedly moves between pages without reaching the intended result.

Session

A temporary period during which a service remembers an authenticated interaction.

Session timeout

Automatic end of a session after inactivity or a security limit.

Security code

A temporary verification value that should only be entered into a trusted official service.

Access denied

A message that may indicate permissions, policy restrictions, or a blocked request.

Browser extension

An add-on that can change page behavior and sometimes block scripts or cookies.