Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible way of accommodating typical user errors when attempting to gain access. One method prevents an error in an access protocol by determining if an access request contains an error that may be forgiveable, such as repeated entry of the same incorrect password or the use of all capital letters. If the access request contains an error, the access request will be classified as invalid. As such, the invalid access request will not count against the number of allowed access requests. Errors may include repeated passwords, obvious typographical error, etc. A message may also be provided or sent to the user that informs the user of their error.