Image or pictographic based computer login systems and methods

Image based login procedures for computer systems include: (a) displaying a first image on a computer screen; (b) receiving user input indicating a portion of the first image; (c) determining if the user input corresponds to a first acceptable user input for user authentication; and (d) proceeding with the authentication procedure when this user input corresponds to the first acceptable user input for user authentication. Additionally or optionally, when proceeding with this authentication procedure, the systems and methods further may include: displaying a second image on the screen; receiving new user input indicating a portion of the second image; and determining if this new input corresponds to a second acceptable user input for user authentication.