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 opportunistic 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 or customers, or post about you 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 a 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"
[Search]+[L]
[Launcher]+[L]
Time (bottom right) > Lock
Pixel
Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Screen lock > Power button instantly locks | Then:
Samsung
Settings > Lock screen > Secure Lock Settings > Lock instantly with power key | Then:
Press the side button
Older iPhones: press the top button
Configure your screen to auto-lock
Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver > tick "On resume, display logon screen"
Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > "If you've been away…" > choose a time
Dynamic lock
Pair your phone by Bluetooth, then: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Dynamic lock
Locks when your phone goes out of range
Presence sensing
Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep > "…⁠turn off my screen when I leave"
Only on PCs with a presence sensor
Apple > System Settings > Lock Screen > "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off"
Settings > Privacy and security > Lock screen and sign-in > "Lock when sleeping or lid is closed"
Locks when you close the lid or it sleeps
Pixel
Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Screen lock > Lock after screen timeout
Samsung
Settings > Lock screen > Secure Lock Settings > Lock automatically
Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > Select Time
iOS 9: 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
Report 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.