Lock out crooks and snoops with these steps to protect your device

Sep 04, 2023

With constant network connections and so many bad actors out there, you must always remain vigilant. They’re always looking for ways to get you, and your phone has one vulnerability you probably never thought about. Tap or click here to stop making this simple and dangerous mistake you’re making every day.

Sure, sophisticated hackers can hijack your Wi-Fi, but your privacy and security can be compromised at an even more basic level.

When you’re in public or at work or school and step away from your device, you’re creating an opportunity for hackers, crooks, or simply nosy people with nothing better to do than snoop. As always, prevention is the first step in cybersecurity. Here's what you need to do to stay safe.

You probably lock your phone when you put it in your pocket without thinking about it, but what about your computer? The same principle applies — always lock your device. Even if you trust the people around you, it doesn't take more than a passing glance for someone to get all up in your business.

Here are a few ways to keep your devices safe from prying eyes and worse.

Learn the tech tips and tricks only the pros know.

Windows offers a few ways to lock your desktop or laptop. Note that any applications, files, web pages, or other windows you opened before you locked your computer will remain open while your computer is locked. We’ll get into that, too.

Here are some ways to lock your Windows PC:

You can set your computer to automatically lock after a set amount of inactivity:

You can set your PC to lock automatically when you step away from it. Windows uses devices paired with your PC via Bluetooth to help detect when you’re away.

First, you need to pair your device — your phone is a good idea since you shouldn't leave it unattended at any time. You can find instructions for pairing any device to Windows 10 here and Windows 11 here.

With your phone paired to your computer, here's how to set your computer to lock when it senses your phone has moved away:

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Here are some ways to lock your Mac computer:

You can set your computer to automatically lock after a set amount of inactivity:

You can also set your Mac to log out when not in use:

Your laptop will automatically lock by default when you close the lid, but you should get into the habit of locking it first. You may not push the lid all the way down, and locking your computer every time you step away is a good habit.

When it comes to your phone, it should never be left unattended. Anyone can walk by and slip it in their pocket. We know this is obvious, but even a locked phone is still a liability to your privacy and security.

The same goes for laptops and tablets — if you’re at a coffee shop, it's not the same as at work. Don't leave them unattended! Needless to say, the same applies to flash drives. You can encrypt them, but the temptation for a crook to take yours is too great.

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