Why You Should Lock Your Computer

1. Privacy 

What is on your computer is private and shouldn't be accessed by anyone but you.  By locking your computer, you will prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your PC. This will help to secure your files and email conversations.

When your computer has not been used in a while the monitor may dim or go off to save power. This does not mean the computer is off. If you don’t lock your computer when not in use, a stranger may come and use a key like delete, enter or space to wake up the computer. These buttons can sometimes cause an action. For example, when the delete key is used to wake up the computer, you may end up losing an important file or some text in a document. On the other hand, if you lock your computer when not using it, such an instance cannot occur.

3. It Helps To Protect Confidential Communications 

You may receive confidential emails from time to time. This is particularly important if you work for a company. Clients are usually careful of private information and if they notice that you don’t lock your computer when you are away, they may start asking questions about the credibility of your company. Also, communication may be subject to a non-disclosure between you and the client. Lock your computer while you are away to help protect confidential documents and communication.

4. It Prevents Data From Being Altered. 

Not locking your computer is like surrendering access of your files, whether personal, confidential or public to unauthorized persons. This means that anyone can gain access to your computer and modify, remove or even share data from your computer. Locking your computer after use will prevent this from happening.

 
How To Lock Your Computer When Not In Use

Instead of logging out of your computer consider locking it when you walk away.

• Press the Win+L key combination at the same time on your keyboard. (Win is the windows key).
• You can also press the padlock button on the lower right corner of the start button menu. As soon as you press the Win+L button or the padlock button, the login screen will appear immediately and at that particular point no one can access your computer unless they know the account password.
• On a Mac Press Control + Command + Q: This shortcut will take you directly to the lock screen.