According to the principle of a clean screen
Each time before leaving your workstation, you should ensure that no one will have access to the data stored on your work computer in your absence.
Firstly, it is essential to develop the habit of logging out of the system every time you step away from the computer. You can speed up the logout process by using the key combination WINDOWS + L, which will lock the screen.
Secondly, your computer should have a screensaver set to activate automatically after a specified period of user inactivity and secure the monitor with a password.
The principle of a clean desk
This principle aims to ensure that data is stored on network resources (for example, on OneDrive or a file server) rather than on the local disk, that is, directly on the desktop. The benefit of adhering to this principle is to prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing files and folders stored on the computer and to make it more difficult for them to access them. Remember that only icons of standard software and business applications, as well as shortcuts to folders, may be present on the desktop, provided that their names do not contain personal data, information about ongoing projects, or details about clients.
What can happen if the above principles are not followed?
In a positive scenario, this may result in, for example, an email being sent in your name inviting colleagues to donuts or coffee. In a less optimistic scenario, an unauthorized person may:
- take over your access passwords (to your work email, Facebook, etc.),
- take a picture of your screen – assess the significance of such an event yourself, depending on what you work on daily,
- gain access to documents and knowledge on topics whose confidentiality you are obliged to maintain.
Do not forget that any actions performed on your access account by another person will be identified by the system as actions taken by the account owner, that is, you.
