Going out? Lock it up!

by Tim Thorp, Computer Education Specialist, CIS

When you are leaving your office or cubicle, do you leave your computer in a logged-in state? 

If so, you should know that this presents a substantial security risk; anyone who walks up to your desk could quickly gain access to your restricted information, or take actions such as sending e-mail that would appear to come from you!

However, there is a simple technique that you can use to eliminate this risk.

	On Windows computers: Press the Windows key (it looks like a flag) and the letter "L" to lock your desktop.
On a Macintosh: From the Apple menu select System Preferences, choose the Security category, then check off “Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver.”  Now you can just put your Mac to sleep or activate its screen saver to secure it when you walk away.

Make locking your computer a habit and your data and identity will remain secure even when you're not around!