What are the Windows Logon Types?

What Are Windows Logon Types?

Every logon authentication Windows tracks receives a unique logon type entry that gets registered in the event logs. System access methods determine logon types in Windows security logs, so they indicate whether the user happens locally through keyboard access or remotely through process execution. The logon types describe what allows access to the system, so events can be evaluated as standard or doubtful. Security experts, together with system admins and infrastructure security professionals, should correctly read logon types for successful early attack detection and better incident handling, and system misconfiguration identification.

1. Logon Type 2 – Interactive
2. Logon Type 3 – Network
3. Logon Type 4 – Batch
4. Logon Type 5 – Service
5. Logon Type 7 – Unlock
6. Logon Type 8 – NetworkCleartext
7. Logon Type 9 – NewCredentials
8. Logon Type 10 – RemoteInteractive
9. Logon Type 11 – CachedInteractive

Logon Type 2 – Interactive

A user performs Logon Type 2 authentication by physically entering their login credentials at a computer through its keyboard and monitor. Most users experience Logon Type 2 as the basic session where they use their physical presence to sign into their workstation or workplace computer. The user executes this type of logon directly through the device via physical presence. The evaluation of interactive logon events holds significant importance, especially on critical servers, since these events normally remain infrequent or unusual and offer potential evidence of unauthorized physical access.

Logon Type 3 – Network

Logon Type 3 involves network-based access through the authentication of shared folders and printers, and additional remote resources. Users lose control of the system interface during network logon events since they do not access it directly. Network logons serve regular business operations internally and serve as crucial tools for attackers to move horizontally between systems during assaults. Multiple unsuccessful Logon Type 3 attempts along with multiple successful attempts may reveal signs of credential stuffing attacks as well as brute-force attempts and unauthorized access to shared resources.

Logon Type 4 – Batch

Background processes that use pre-stored passwords execute through Batch logons. Such systems run automatically at pre-set times for actions including backups updates and report creation. The regular execution of these logons presents risk when attackers modify scheduled tasks to keep themselves active. Atypical batch logons that occur during non-operational hours might signal an issue.

Logon Type 5 – Service

Windows services begin their system access with this logon type through their predefined authentication credentials. The system uses this authentication method for every service startup which includes database engines or monitoring tools. The proper evaluation of running services and their credentials becomes possible through service logon monitoring procedures. Service logon irregularities indicate incorrect service configuration or an unauthorized service present within the system.

Logon Type 7 – Unlock

Users perform Unlock logons by accessing their session through workstation unlocking. The session continuation after an existing logon triggers Windows to record another logon event. Analysis of workstation unlock records enables investigators to determine user movement patterns or identify what actions happened at particular times.

Logon Type 8 – NetworkCleartext

Transmission of credential information in clear text formats leads to this logon type. The logon type exists primarily in old authentication methods which fail to comply with modern safe authentication standards. The appearance of such logon events is infrequent but dangerous because naked password transmissions pose high-risk potential for interception and duplicate attacks.

Logon Type 9 – NewCredentials

The “RunAs” command and similar mechanisms enable users to launch programs through different credentials, which results in this logon type. During a NewCredentials logon users continue their active session while simultaneously creating a fresh session containing different credentials. The combination of administrative tasks with NewCredentials remains useful yet its improper deployment lets attackers elevate privileges and therefore organizations should probe unexpected NewCredentials logons for validity.

Logon Type 10 – RemoteInteractive

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) exclusive logon type fits under category 10. The event log generates a RemoteInteractive logon record after users access machines with RDP. Examine any abnormal Logon Type 10 events because RDP represents a frequent attack avenue whose occurrence needs special attention. Check activities with strange IP addresses or out-of-business-hours logon times.

Logon Type 11 – CachedInteractive

The domain users perform CachedInteractive logons through local credentials because the domain controller becomes unreachable. The situation occurs when workers utilize company laptops both outside the network and without establishing VPN connection. The convenience of Mobile users depends on Logon Type 11 but this approach delivers only basic proof that requires full attention from incident responders together with forensic investigators during their investigations particularly when determining user location data.

Why Understanding Logon Types Matters?

Every logon type delivers unique information about the situation. Security teams along with IT personnel, can spot potential risks by piecing together logon/logoff activity. An active RDP-based attack indicates Remote Interactive logons that rise sharply, while unusual batch or service logons may expose unauthorized automation. These valuable results become exceptionally helpful when researchers combine them with data about time, source IP addresses, and user activities.

The analysis of logon types lets organizations create clearer detection methods in their SIEM system alongside meaningful alert features that identify actual threats from random information. This technique remains one of the easiest methods to enhance depth in Windows log monitoring yet many users disregard it.

How Lepide Auditor Tracks Logon Activities?

Lepide Active Directory Auditor simplifies the process of tracking logon activities by providing comprehensive, real-time insights into user behavior. With Lepide, administrators can monitor logon events across on-premises Active Directory environments, ensuring full hybrid coverage. It generates detailed reports on successful and failed logons, concurrent sessions, and login history for individual users, helping organizations detect unauthorized access attempts and mitigate possible security risks. By identifying suspicious activities such as logons outside of business hours or spikes in failed login attempts, Lepide enables proactive threat detection and response.

Lepide’s Active Directory auditing tool goes beyond basic logon tracking by delivering actionable intelligence through pre-defined reports and real-time alerts. Administrators can quickly pinpoint compromised accounts, investigate brute-force attacks, and identify inactive users to reduce the organization’s threat surface. The platform also provides granular details, including the “who, what, where, and when” of logon activities, making it easier to comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

If you would like to know more about how Lepide AD Auditor can help you track Windows logon activities, schedule a demo or download free trial today.