Lock Your Computer Screen

Why should you lock your screen when you’re away?

This helps prevent others from viewing or using your device when you’re not around. It is possible to set up your computer or mobile device to lock, log you out or go to screensaver after a certain amount of inactivity.

NOTE: All computers that are attached to our active directory or have the InCHIP image will have their computers automatically lock after short period of inactivity. This setting cannot be changed by end-users. Once the computer has locked you will be required to re-enter your credentials. 

What you should know:

If your computer is attached to InCHIP’s Active Directory your computer will automatically require a password after 10 minutes of inactivity. Please note, for computers not attached to our Active Directory you will need to manually enable this feature. A strong password must be required to start up or resume activity. This option will not be changed.

What should you do?
The following are required for devices that store or access restricted and/or essential information and strongly recommended for all other devices.

  • Shut down, lock, log off, start screensaver, or put your device to sleep before leaving it unattended
    • <ctrl><alt><delete> or <Windows key><L> on a Windows PC
    • Apple menu or power button on a Mac
    • (See below for mobile devices)
  • Set up your device to “lock,” “sleep,” “auto log-off”, or go to screensaver when you’re not using it (max. 20 minutes of inactivity).
  • Make sure you have to enter a strong password to start up or wake-up your computer.
  • Disable auto-login. If you can start up or wake up your computer without entering a password, auto-login may be on.
  • FOR MOBILE DEVICES:
    • Mobile devices that are connected to either UConn’s Exchange server or InCHIP’s Exchange server will be required to have at least a 4 digit pin. This option will not be changed.
    • Set your device to require a strong password/PIN to start up or resume activity, and to automatically lock when not in use–but still don’t store anything you’re not willing to lose.
    • Some devices can be set to be erased remotely, or to erase themselves if the password/PIN is entered incorrectly a certain number of times. Consider turning these on to protect information in the case of theft or loss.