What’s the best way to lock your phone?

When it comes to data security, the first line of defense is often the lock screen. Whether you’re using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, your device is vulnerable to prying eyes if you don’t take the proper precautions. But with so many options for locking your phone out there, which one is the best for […]

Posted - December 31, 2022

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Cybersecurity How-To

When it comes to data security, the first line of defense is often the lock screen. Whether you’re using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, your device is vulnerable to prying eyes if you don’t take the proper precautions. But with so many options for locking your phone out there, which one is the best for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the different ways to lock your phone and discuss which may be most effective for protecting your data from unauthorized access. So read on to learn more about what’s the best way to lock your phone.

What does the research show?

Most people use the default lock screen on their phone, which is generally a 4-digit pin code. However, new research shows that this may not be the best way to lock your phone.

Researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK found that 4-digit pin codes can be guessed quite easily by thieves. In fact, they were able to guess the code of one in four phones within just 20 attempts.

So, what’s the best way to lock your phone? The researchers suggest using a longer password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make it much harder for thieves to guess your code and break into your phone.

Country comparisons

There are a few different ways to lock your phone, but which is the best? Let's take a look at how some countries stack up.

In the United States, Android users have the option to use a pattern, PIN, or password to lock their devices. iOS users can use a 4-digit PIN or an alphanumeric password. The majority of Android users (69%) choose a pattern, while iOS users are split between a 4-digit PIN (50%) and an alphanumeric password (50%).

In the United Kingdom, 74% of respondents said they used a PIN to lock their phone. 22% used a password and 4% used a pattern.

In Canada, 60% of people use a PIN to lock their phone, while 36% use a password. Just 4% use a pattern.

So, what's the best way to lock your phone? It depends on who you ask! In general, it seems like using a PIN is the most popular choice among respondents in all three countries. If you're looking for extra security, though, using an alphanumeric password may be your best bet.

Passcodes

The most important thing to do when it comes to securing your phone is to set a strong passcode. While a four-digit PIN might be easy to remember, it’s also easy for someone else to guess. A longer passcode is more secure but can be difficult to enter every time you unlock your phone.

One way to strike a balance between security and convenience is to use a passcode that’s a combination of letters and numbers. This will make it harder for someone to guess, but not so difficult that you’ll never be able to remember it yourself.

Another option is to use a biometric lock, such as a fingerprint or iris scanner. This is the most secure option, as it’s much harder for someone to spoof your fingerprint than it is for them to guess your passcode. However, biometric locks can be less reliable than passcodes, so you might want to have a backup method in case your phone can’t read your fingerprint correctly.

No matter which locking method you choose, make sure you don’t use the same code or password that you use for other accounts. If someone guesses your phone passcode, they could then have access to all of your other online accounts if you’re using the same password. So pick something unique and don’t write it down anywhere – if you can’t remember it, there’s always the reset option.

Pattern locks

There are a lot of different ways to lock your phone, but pattern locks are becoming increasingly popular. Pattern locks allow you to create a custom unlock pattern by drawing a series of connected lines on a grid.

One of the benefits of using a pattern lock is that it can be harder for someone to guess than a traditional 4-digit PIN code. Also, if you forget your unlock pattern, you can usually enter a backup PIN code to access your device.

If you're looking for extra security, you can enable a feature called "stealth mode" on some pattern lock apps. This makes it so that the app doesn't show up in your list of installed apps, making it more difficult for someone to find and disable your lock.

Fingerprint locks

Fingerprint locks are becoming increasingly popular as a way to lock your phone. They offer a high level of security and are very difficult to bypass.

There are a few different ways that you can set up a fingerprint lock on your phone. One option is to use a third-party app such as Fingerprint Lock Pro or App Lock. These apps will allow you to set up a fingerprint lock for specific apps on your phone.

Another option is to use the built-in fingerprint sensor on your phone if it has one. Many newer phones have this feature, and it’s a great way to add an extra layer of security to your device.

If you’re looking for the highest level of security, you may want to consider using a biometric safe such as the Vaultek VT20i. This type of safe uses your fingerprint to unlock it, and it’s designed specifically for storing valuables and sensitive information.

Face recognition

When it comes to phone security, there are a variety of options to choose from. One of the most popular methods is face recognition. This technology uses your unique facial features to unlock your device. While it is convenient and quick, face recognition may not be the most secure option. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using face recognition to lock your phone.

Pros:

– Face recognition is a fast and convenient way to unlock your phone.

– It’s a great option if you don’t want to remember a PIN or password.

Cons:

– Face recognition can be fooled by photos or videos of you.

– If someone has access to your phone, they could theoretically unlock it with your face.

So, is face recognition the best way to lock your phone? It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If security is your top priority, you may want to consider another option. But if convenience is what you’re after, face recognition could be the way to go.

Voice recognition

Voice recognition is one of the most popular methods of locking phones. It involves using your voice to unlock your device. Many people find this method to be more convenient than other methods, such as PIN codes or patterns. Additionally, voice recognition can be more secure than other methods, as it is more difficult for someone to guess your voice than your PIN code.