Locking Your Device
18/02/2019
How secure is your device? Are you able to use your device without having to worry about your data being compromised?
Never leave devices unattended – the physical security of your device is important.
If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time – lock it so it can’t be used by anyone else. (See the IT Users Policy https://intranet.cranfield.ac.uk/it/PoliciesandProcedures/ITUsersPolicy.pdf).
For desktop computers, you have the option to shut-down the system when not in use or to lock your screen.
To lock a laptop or desktop which uses Windows press Ctrl-Alt-Del and Select Lock or use Windows Key + L
To lock an Apple Mac’s screen, simultaneously press Control + Shift + Eject. (However if you have a newer Mac that doesn’t have an optical drive (and therefore has no eject key) press Control + Shift + Power).
Locking your device helps prevent others from viewing or using your device when you’re not around. The security of your device is your responsibility.
Devices should be set to automatically go to screensaver after a certain amount of inactivity. Do not depend on this time out for your security. Manually lock your device when you leave it unattended. (For some devices shutting down the device is suitable alternative).
For a mobile devices (tablet or phone usually running either Android or iOS) – set the device to require a strong password/PIN. Additionally set it to automatically lock when not in use.
- For apple iPhones/iPads press the sleep/wake button.
- For Android phones/tablets a single press of the power button commonly manually locks the device.
Some devices can be erased remotely, or erase themselves if the password/PIN is entered incorrectly too many times.
Where these settings exist consider turning these on to protect information in the case of theft or loss.
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
How to build a business that keeps growing
Ask any business owner about their ambitions and "growth" will almost certainly feature near the top of the list. More customers, higher revenues, larger teams and new markets are often seen as signs of ...
Three practical ways SMEs can build resilience in a challenging business environment
Economic uncertainty, shifting customer expectations and rapid technological change have become part of everyday business. While no organisation can predict every challenge, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can improve their resilience by focusing on ...
Six reasons students fall in love with Cranfield University
If you ask a Cranfield student what makes the University special, you won’t just get the usual “great teaching” answer. You’ll hear stories about industry projects that feel like real jobs, friendships built with ...
Boosting flight safety: Cranfield’s icing wind tunnel in action
The icing wind tunnel (IWT) was established at Cranfield University in 2003. The facility is capable of producing impact ice on models mounted within a range of different test sections. At present, the Cranfield ...
Getting ready to hand in your thesis?
You are nearly there! Many of our students are now starting to think about finishing their theses. If you are one of them, then you might find this post useful as you write up your ...
Frameworks to help you critically evaluate your sources
With so much information available, it can be challenging to identify reliable sources. Not all information is trustworthy, so it is important to critically evaluate what you find. Library Search and our subscription databases can ...