(Screen) Locking away your Business Data  

When it comes to your business's cyber security, your business data is at the heart of your digital infrastructure. Implementing a robust and comprehensive cyber security solution is essential for protecting your business data. While the vast majority of cyber attacks and data breaches come from external sources, this isn’t exclusive, data breaches can also be the result of human error or malicious intent within the workplace or as the result of unauthorised access in a public setting. A report by TechReport states that approximately 30% of data breaches in 2023 were the result of malicious internal threats or by a direct third party. A simple yet effective measure to protect your data from misuse or unauthorised access is enforcing a 'screen lock' policy across your business devices. These policies ensure that all device screens automatically lock after a predetermined period of inactivity, requiring a password (and/or other authentication method) to regain access. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why having a screen lock time is crucial for businesses to protect their data: 

Data Protection
A screen lock acts as a first line of defence against unauthorised data access. In bustling office environments or open spaces, it's easy for sensitive information to be viewed or accessed by unintended or unauthorised individuals. An auto-lock policy significantly mitigates the risk of people viewing or accessing data they are not intended to, by ensuring that business devices lock after a period of inactivity where the user may be away from their devices. 

Regulatory Compliance
Frameworks such as GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the US, and also certifications such as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, mandate certain levels of data protection. An enforced screen lock policy can help businesses to stay compliant and avoid potentially hefty if data is stolen as a result of poor policies. 

Professionalism and Client Trust
Your Clients and Customers entrust your businesses with their sensitive personal, professional and financial data, you may even hold confidential or proprietary data critical to their business operation. Ensuring that your business takes basic steps, such as a screen lock policy, that protects their data and fosters a sense of professionalism and trust. 

Cyber Attack Deterrence
In an event where a malicious actor gains physical access to a premises, or a device is left unattended in a public location, an unlocked device is an invitation to launch a cyber attack. With tools such as a USB Rubber Ducky, they could potentially have control of your device, copy all of your data to a cloud storage location, and access to your business infrastructure within seconds. Ensuring that your screens lock automatically after a period of inactivity where your employees may be away from their devices can thwart or delay unauthorised access to your business systems, saving crucial time that could be the difference in protecting your business. 

Education
Enforcing screen lock out policies educates employees on the importance of cyber and data security, cultivating a culture of vigilance and responsibility for the data that your business holds. Paired with Cyber Security Educational tools, you can ensure that your employees are a critical first line of defence against cyber threats. Additionally, ensuring that users understand the key commands to quickly lock their device if they are about to get up from their device can promote a secure atmosphere. 

Windows Lock Command: Windows key + L key 

Mac Lock Command: Command key + Control key + Q key

Custom Key Mapping: Many Mice include the ability to map additional buttons to key combinations such as those for Windows & Mac. Additionally, productivity devices such as the Elgato Stream Deck allow users to be able to create a range of custom key commands with visual representations for users to be able to quickly press before moving away from their device.

Ease of Implementation
Through network and device administration tools, it is both a quick and easy way to be able to improve your business data security. We implement these policies for all of our customers, making it a low-effort high-reward security measure. A screen lock policy is a simple, yet effective, step towards a more secure operational environment. 

How can TwentyFour help with your business's Cyber Security?
It is important to understand that whilst a Screen Lock Policy is a fundamental, easy-to-implement measure that goes a long way in safeguarding your company’s invaluable data assets. This policy is only part of your business overall cyber security strategy, which should include Password Policies, Multi-Factor Authentication, Dark Web Monitoring, Active Email Threat Protection, Endpoint Detection & Response, and much more.  

To find out if your business has the right security measures in place to protect you from cyber security threats, take our FREE Cyber Health Check by filling out the form below.