Secure attention key

Secure attention key ( SAK ) or secure attention sequence ( SAS ) is a special key or key combination that a user must press on a computer keyboard before entering the system. The kernel of the operating system , interacting directly with the computer , can process keystrokes and start logging on to the system.

Secure attention key makes it impossible to cheat on the entry , because the kernel will pause any program before starting the login program.

If the system is configured to use SAK, users should always be suspicious of login screens that appear without pressing a key combination .

In Microsoft Windows, the click is processed by the login program . Also, the use of SAS may be required to control user accounts .