
Tap-and-Go Login on Shared Computers
Fast, Secure Access for Teams on the Move
In busy workplaces—like hospitals, manufacturing floors, or public offices—shared computers are a daily necessity. But logging in and out with usernames and passwords slows everyone down. Tap-and-go login using NFC or RFID cards offers a faster, more secure alternative.
With just a tap, users can access their workstation—no passwords, no typing. The process is quick, reliable, and ideal for shared environments where time and accuracy matter.
How It Works
Tap-and-go login uses NFC (Near-Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards. Each card has a unique identifier. When users tap their card on a reader, the system recognizes them and logs them in. When they’re done, they can tap again or walk away to lock the session—based on system settings.
Many organizations use standard USB-connected NFC/RFID readers. These readers work out of the box with authentication software. No need to configure each workstation manually. Every user carries their own card, and any shared workstation can accept it.
Getting Started
First, update your authentication software to a version that supports NFC/RFID login. Then go to the admin dashboard and enable card-based login for specific users or groups.
To link a card to a user, scan it using a registration tool. This tool captures the card’s static UID—its unique ID. Each UID connects directly to one user profile.
Make sure to use supported cards. Common options include MIFARE Classic (13.56 MHz) and 125 kHz RFID cards. Avoid cards with dynamic UIDs or encrypted output. Those won’t work with most systems.
Once registered, users can tap their card on a reader (such as ACR122U, Omnikey, or Elatec) to log in. The system recognizes them instantly. No typing required.
Why It Works Well on Shared Computers
Tap-and-go login solves a major problem in shared environments: slow, error-prone authentication. Users don’t have to remember passwords or wait for someone else to finish logging out. Each person has their own card, making every session secure and personal.
In high-stakes industries like healthcare, this speed and simplicity are crucial. A nurse can walk up, tap in, complete a task, and leave—without delay. On a factory floor, workers can rotate shifts smoothly while keeping access controlled and auditable.
Replacing shared passwords with individual cards also strengthens security. Every login is tied to a specific user. Admins can track access events easily and prevent unauthorized use.
A Real-World Solution
Organizations that want a smooth rollout often turn to solutions like GateKeeper. GateKeeper lets admins manage user access, register cards, and monitor activity—all from a central dashboard. It supports a wide range of readers and simplifies user onboarding. GateKeeper’s easy setup and strong support make it one of the favorites across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and government sectors.
Easy to Scale
Tap-and-go systems scale easily. Admins can set up one department at a time or launch across multiple locations. Readers plug in directly. Cards register in minutes. No long training sessions or complex rollouts.
You can also tailor login policies by user group. Some teams may use tap-and-go as their main login method. Others may use it as a backup or secondary authentication step. The system adapts to fit your needs.
The Bottom Line
Tap-and-go login with NFC or RFID cards brings speed, simplicity, and security to shared computers. It saves time, reduces human error, and provides clear records of who accessed what, and when.
If your team uses shared workstations and you want a faster, safer login process, this solution is a smart first step. One tap is all it takes to log in, lock up, and move on.
See GateKeeper Enterprise advanced MFA in action.
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