GC Integrated Login FAQ

How do I log into Cache Up NB using my www.geocaching.com username and password?

Along the right hand side of the website, near the top, there is a “Login” box. If you are already logged in, it will say “Dashboard” and you will need to log out. From that Login box, simply choose the “Geocaching.Com ID” from the Login type drop-down box and click “Connect with Geocaching Live!”. If you had previously logged on to geocaching.com and checked the “Keep Me Signed In” checkbox, you’ll be brought directly to a security message, otherwise you will be prompted to log into geocaching.com.

Once logged into GC, you will be prompted with a message regarding Cache Up NB’s usage of your GC login. You simply click “Allow” and you will be brought back to Cache Up NB.

What does the “security message” that comes up from geocaching.com mean?

Once you have successfully logged on to geocaching.com, you will be prompted with the above security message. This is a standard security dialog that is confirming that you are giving Cache Up NB permission to access GC on your behalf. This is the same premise as the “Login using Facebook” option available on www.geocaching.com and other websites. This is also the same security message you would have received if you are using the Geocaching.com LIVE features of GSAK.

The big issue to address here is that Cache Up NB does not have access to your password and at any time, you are able to revoke Cache Up NB’s access to your GC account by going into your Manage Your Authorizations screen on GC and removing Cache Up NB.

We want all of our users to know that no passwords of any kind are accessible by us, or anyone else on Cache Up NB. Even if our database was somehow compromised, no one can get into your GC account through Cache Up NB.

If you want more specifics about how this process works, and how your credentials are safe, please refer to our integration security page.

Am I required to use my GC account to log into Cache Up NB?

The answer is both yes and no. It depends on what you want.

No, you do not HAVE to use your GC account to log into Cache Up NB. The login system is currently set to allow you to use your old login information to log into Cache Up NB. This may change in the future but right now it is still available.

However, in order for you to gain access to some of the features of Cache Up NB, you will need to use the GC login. For example, our GC code “hovers” have been augmented for those users who choose to login using their GC account. The Come Out & Play winter contest requires users to use their GC account in order to register and submit claims in the contest. In future releases, we will be adding further features to Cache Up NB that will require the use of your GC login.

So the answer really is, no, you don’t have to, but if you want to enjoy everything that Cache Up NB has to offer, you’re going to want to use it.

I originally registered the “old” way but am want to use my GC account now. Will I now have “two” accounts on Cache Up NB?

No. For our existing users, if you had an old Cache Up NB login but have now opted to log in using your GC account, we simply “link” your old account to your GC account. This gives you all the features of being logged in from GC, but retains all of your old comments, posts, and attributes of your user profile. No duplication is created.

For new users, we create a brand new user the first time you register with us through your GC account. All subsequent logins use that new account.

What is the reason for changing the way we log in/register to Cache Up NB?

This is a loaded question but ultimately it comes down to us wanting to provide you the most integrated experience possible on Cache Up NB.

Many of the things we already do today can be greatly enhanced by having you logged in under your GC profile. Here’s a couple of examples:

Our hovers for GC codes know whether or not you are a premium member so for premium members we can display map links and additional information about a cache
For the yearly Come Out & Play contest, we can now use the Geocaching LIVE api to help validate many of the claims submitted in the contest. This vastly reduces the work required by the folks who manage the contest
It eliminates the need for Cache Up NB administrators to manually validate whether or not a new user is an actual geocacher. Before, everytime a new user registers, we have to look them up manually on GC to see if they are a valid geocacher, and if not, send them a courtesy message to let them know they need to register using their geocaching name.
Because your account is linked to GC, your GC profile URL is automatically populated on Cache Up NB. This makes it much easier for folks to look up who a cacher is and contact them if necessary. This was previously a manual process.
By using your GC login, we prevent unwanted users from registering on this site under fake usernames. Many community sites such as this are plagued by spam users who register and submit bogus news and comments. Since users can only register using their GC account, this vastly reduces the amount of “fake” users that would appear on Cache Up NB.

Can users still sign up/register with Cache Up NB the “old” way?

No. Now that we have implemented this new login system, only existing users have the ability to use their old logins. We have kept this active (for now) to allow people to get the hang of how using their GC login works. We are committed to our existing user base so we also feel that if there are currently active users who have concerns and would prefer to use the old login method, we are leaving that active for now.

For all new users, it’s GC integrated from the get go. In order for us to continue to offer high quality services, this type of integration is needed so we have ultimately made the decision to force users to use their GC login. If they are not comfortable doing that, they always have the option of not signing in and simply “lurking” in the background. If a user has a concern about security, they can read about the integration in the link above, and also read our privacy statement.

Above and beyond those points, we are planning to now implement a pile of new features that will leverage your GC account on Cache Up NB. Things like specialized maps, pocket queries, and many other things can now be integrated directly into Cache Up NB. These advanced features would not be possible if you couldn’t log in under your GC account.