Your data is worth a lot to thieves and fraudsters;
therefore, you should be careful with the sources these thieves and fraudsters
can use to access these data. It is time to get rid of the notion that using a
password for your devices means you have something to hide. This will help
prevent sensitive data like banking and account details, social security
details, corporate email information, etc. from being unnecessarily
compromised.
We share five important reasons you should password your
devices.
To avoid pocket dialling
Pocket dialling, especially for smartphones and even basic
phones, can be humorous or annoying, but most annoying because your airtime is
being wasted without your knowledge. Here, a preloaded phone number can be
dialled when a person has a phone in the rear pocket and sits on it, or if the
phone is ‘jostled’ in a purse or briefcase. This occurrence will be reduced, if
not eliminated, if your device is locked with a passcode.
To protect your private information
Symantec, a leading security software maker, conducted an
experiment to encourage smartphone users to protect their private information.
In the experiment, a phone was loaded with fake password, banking information,
e-mails and photos, and a tracking software was installed on it to monitor what
people will do with the phone when found. At the end of the experiment, the
result showed 72 per cent looked through photos, 57 per cent checked out saved
passwords and 43 per cent accessed the phone’s online banking app.
To prevent unwanted prying into your business
This is understood. Noisy friends, partners or family
members who want to know about every and anything you are doing will have a
field day with your ‘password-unprotected’ device. To protect your privacy and
avoid unbelievably embarrassing and awkward scenarios, it’s best to password
your device and encourage these friends, partners or family members to simply
ask you questions about whatever they want to know.
To monitor others’ use of your device
This is important, especially if you have children that like
to play with your devices. In the process of moving from one game app to
another, children can keep your device running without rest till your battery
runs down, regardless of the power situation. Also, without a password, a child
can easily pick up your device and while looking for their favourite app,
mistakenly rearrange, hide or delete sensitive information on your phone.
In case of theft
Theft is a sudden and unexpected occurrence. You don’t
exactly see it coming. In the case of the theft of your device, it will be
better for you if there is a security lock on your device. This is because it
gives you some time to inform your bank and other relevant institutions about
the theft, before the thief is able to use personal data obtained from your
device(s) against you.
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