In the fight over security versus convenience, it’s important to be informed before making a decision. It’s not just about the data on your phone: if you lose your phone, or it gets stolen, whoever has your phone can access all kinds of personal information about you.
Most Android phones come with a pass code lock out of the box, which means that you are prompted for a pass code when you want to unlock your phone. You can choose not to use it, and instead use a swipe or pattern lock, but please consider carefully whether you want to do this. The swipe-to-unlock feature is convenient, but it is also less secure than a pass code lock.
If someone were to get their hands on your phone while it’s unlocked, they could take pictures of everything on your screen (such as your email messages), turn on GPS tracking so they would know where you are at all times (even without having access to your email account), and send text messages from your phone that would appear to be coming from you. All of these actions could potentially be used in nefarious ways by an unscrupulous person. If you have a pass code lock enabled and someone gets hold of your device while it’s unlocked, they will have no way of knowing what
For android phones, it is simple to set up and activate the passcode lock. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on the Security setting.
3. Choose Screen Lock.
4. Select a screen lock from the list. You have four options to choose from: Slide, Face Unlock, Pattern, PIN, or Password.
5. For most people, using a PIN code is going to be more than enough security and also very easy to use as you will see in the next step.
6. Enter your PIN twice for confirmation and tap OK when you are done (if this is your first time setting up a PIN code). If you are changing the PIN code then enter your existing PIN code first and then the new one twice for confirmation before tapping OK to finish.
Your phone is filled with all sorts of personal information, from your emails and saved passwords to your pictures and videos. You don’t want anyone who manages to get their hands on your phone to be able to access that data.
The easiest way to protect yourself is by setting a passcode lock for your phone. That way, even if someone does find or steal your phone, they won’t be able to get in without the passcode.
Below are instructions on how to set a passcode on both Android and iOS devices.
Android offers a wide range of security options to lock your device. You can use a pattern, PIN, password, or facial recognition to secure your device. If a passcode isn’t enabled on the device, you must add one before you can use Smart Lock.
Add a passcode to your device.
On all Android versions: Open Settings > Security > Screen Lock.
Choose a passcode type (not visible on Android 5.0 and up).
Enter your new passcode twice.
When prompted to set up Smart Lock, tap Yes to continue or No thanks if you don’t want to set it up at this time.
A passcode lock is a security measure that requires a user to input a numeric code or password before accessing data on an iPhone or iPad. It’s a critical security feature that makes accessing your device more difficult if it’s lost or stolen, and prevents unauthorized users from accessing your data.
Here’s how to enable and use a passcode on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
Tap on Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (or Settings > Passcode for older devices).
If you haven’t set up a passcode yet, you’ll be asked to do so now. If you have one set up, enter it when prompted.
Tap on “Turn Passcode On” when at the passcode screen. You can then choose from four different types of passcodes:
A custom alphanumeric code: This is an alpha-numeric code that can contain both letters and numbers, making it more secure but also more difficult to remember.
Four-digit numeric code: This is a four-digit numerical passcode that can only contain numbers. It’s easy to remember but less secure than an alphanumeric code.
Six-digit numeric code
Use a passcode. Now that you’ve put a passcode on your phone, you should change the settings to require it immediately after sleep. On iOS, go to Settings, Touch ID & Passcode (or Passcode), and set Require Passcode to Immediately. On Android, open your device’s main Settings app, select Security (or something similar), then Screen Lock or Lock Screen. Select a PIN or password as your lock screen option.
Make sure you don’t use an easy-to-guess passcode like 1234 or 1111 – or your birthday, or any of the most commonly-used passwords for that matter. It’s also wise not to use the same password you use for other accounts such as Facebook or email. If someone cracks that code, they’ll have access to all of them—including your bank account and credit cards. Make sure it has numbers as well as letters and symbols if possible.
Google hashcode is a competition organised by Google, where teams of students and professionals from all over the world solve an engineering problem. It is a great way to have fun, learn new things and meet like-minded people.