Stupid Simple Security Tip #1 - Lock Your Screen

Here’s a scene:

“I was working on my laptop in a shared workspace when nature called. I got up to use the bathroom, leaving the computer unattended. Although I was only gone for a couple of minutes, the next day, I discovered that my account was hacked. What happened?“

Don’t Make This Mistake

The mistake? They didn’t lock their screen. This scary reality is true for both laptops and mobile devices, which is why screen locking is so vital.

Why Putting Your Computer to Sleep Isn’t Enough

Keep in mind that this tactic is far different from putting the computer to sleep. If anyone could simply click a button or swipe on the trackpad to access the desktop, confidential data is in jeopardy. Screen locking means a password, or PIN to get into the device. This simple strategy can be invaluable. I like to say that the things that are easy to do are also easy not do to.

How to Lock Your Screen

Fortunately, screen locking is also stupidly simple.

On a Mac, all you have to do is click on the Apple icon and select “lock screen.” Even if you don’t have a mouse handy, pressing command + control + Q will do the same thing.

If you’ve got a Mac equipped with the TouchBar you can add a dedicated button for locking your Mac. Head to System Preferences > Keyboard, then click the “Customize Control Strip” button. Drag the Lock Screen button off the bottom of your screen and onto your Touchbar.

Now with the click on the button, your Mac is locked.

Pick one and go use the bathroom in peace.

Now that you know how to keep your Mac safe when stepping away, what other security measures should you have in place?

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