Lock Your Screen

This helps prevent others from viewing or using your device when you're not around.
The following measures are required for devices that store or access P2 or higher data and strongly recommended for all other devices (see the UC Minimum Security Standard):

• Set up your computer and mobile devices to automatically go to screensaver after a certain amount of inactivity (max. 15 minutes of inactivity, max. 10 minutes for HIPAA workstations).
  
  • For Mac: see Use a screen saver on your Mac
  • For Windows PC: see Change your screen saver settings
• Manually shut down, log off, or lock your device when leaving it unattended.
• Use a strong password to start up or resume activity.
• Disable auto-login. You shouldn't be able to start up or wake up your computer or other devices without entering a password. If you can, auto-login may be on.

How Do You Lock Your Screen?

• For Windows PC: Use Ctrl-Alt-Del → Select Lock OR Windows Key + L.
• For Mac: see Use a screen saver on your Mac.
• For mobile devices:
  • Don't store anything you're not willing to lose.
  • Set your device to require a strong password/PIN to start up or resume activity, and to automatically lock when not in use.
  • Some devices can be set to be erased remotely or to erase themselves if the password/PIN is entered incorrectly too many times. Consider turning one of these features on to protect information in the case of theft or loss.

Get Help

Contact the ITS Support Center if you would like your computer configured to meet these requirements. If you have questions, contact the Support Center or your ITS Divisional Liaison.

Back to "How to Stay Secure"