I could have been a fraudster, hacker, or corporate spy. Fortunately I'm just raising awareness

An attack could result in social or professional embarrassment; Identity theft, fraud, or extortion; Negative business impact Loss of intellectual property; Regulatory fines; and Loss of employment or disciplinary action.

Physical access based attacks are unlikely to be targeted against you unless you're a high profile celebrity, business leader, politician, or campaigner. An attacker may be opportunisitic or targeting your employer though.

Learn more below...

Depending on your device an attacker may be able to:


View your confidential documents and photos

View any other people's personal data you have access to

Report you to your employer, customers, or post on social media.

Take over or access backups, social media, work, or email accounts

Steal your SIM card or get SMS or push codes to access systems, accounts, or bank accounts

Access passwords remembered in your browser, or weakly secured password manager

Install malware to see everything you type, or watch you through your cameras

Use your accounts to attack your family, customers, colleagues, and friends

Install ransomware to delete or encrypt your files

Carry out illegal or unethical activity from your computer

Download or send explicit images to family, customers, colleagues, and friends

Cause your employer to get bad publicity or fail an audit

Advice and tips


Lock your screen as soon as you walk away

[Windows]+[L]
[CTRL]+[ALT]+[DEL]
> Lock
Start > User > Lock

[CTRL]+[CMD]+[Q]
Apple > Lock Screen
Configure "Hot corner"

Press and hold []
Status Panel >

Settings > Lock screen > Secure Lock Settings > Lock instantly with power key | Then:

Configure your screen to auto-lock

Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver settings

Settings > Lock screen > Secure Lock Settings > Lock automatically

Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > Select Time
Settings > General > Auto-lock

Learn more about staying secure

Ensure anti-malware software is installed and up to date
Use strong passwords, different on each site

Verify the identity of anyone calling to help you with technical issues. If unsure call their official number

Remember that unless your password manager requires an extra login it is only as secure as your device

Don't leave your phone unattended if you display messages and notifications on your lock screen

Learning Resources
Take five
Action fraud
NCSC

About this site and privacy policy

This site is intended to help educate people about the importance of locking their screens. The author accepts no liability for your actions, or the actions of anyone opening this site. If you believe your intervention will be welcomed: 1. Advise the user to browse to this site, or open it for them. 2. If appropriate lock their screen or phone for them

Privacy Policy: This site logs minimal information about you and your browser, just enough to serve the page. Nothing is tracked, no cookies are dropped, and no adverts delivered.