Screen locks offer many options: Biometric data such as fingerprint, iris and face are the most individual way to unlock a smartphone. But in order for them to be stored really securely and not manipulated, the technology has to be right. A short four-digit PIN or swipe pattern does not provide good protection against access by others.
Screen lock is a must!
Protect your smartphone with a screen lock! This means that not everyone who might grab your cell phone can immediately see what's on it. You have the choice between different unlocking methods. But not all are equally safe.
Pattern
In a grid of 9 points, at least 4 must be connected. You should remember the pattern you created carefully. If you connect the wrong dots or the right ones in the wrong order, you won't get your data. As a rule, you can then unlock your display with a PIN or password - as long as you have set it and not forgotten it.
The pattern does have the advantage that it can be drawn and remembered quickly and easily. The more dots you connect, the harder it is to guess, even for uninformed people. Disadvantage: If you don't wipe the display again and again, strangers can see the traces of your finger on the display and guess the pattern.
pin code
The SIM card has one and you can set an additional PIN to unlock the lock screen. But they shouldn't be the same! To lock the screen, you can combine at least four numbers in any combination. The more you take, the better! This unlocking method has the advantages that common combinations are easy to remember and the chance of cracking your PIN decreases with each additional digit. The downside is that some combinations are easy for people who know you to guess. That's why you shouldn't use your date of birth. Traces of your finger on the display can also reveal the necessary numbers for the PIN.
password
When it comes to passwords, the most important thing is the length! As with the PIN, the following applies here: the more characters, the harder it is to guess the correct code. And if you also mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, it will be a good thing. This is the biggest advantage of the password as an unlocking method. The disadvantages, however, are that complex passwords can be difficult to remember and, on the other hand, passwords that are too easy can also be easy to guess. In another article we have tips for strong passwords.
Biometric characteristics
In addition to the options for entering things on the lock screen, there are also unlocking methods using biometric features. These are unique pieces of information about your body that differentiate you from others. In general, however, you should find out whether this information is stored securely and encrypted on your device. If this is not the case or if it is even transferred to some server, there is theoretically a risk that the information will be misused for criminal purposes (keyword: identity theft). And biometric data is not as easy to change as a password, PIN or swipe pattern!
fingerprint
This unlocking method is already relatively common and many smartphones have a fingerprint scanner. When setting up a fingerprint, a second unlocking method from the top three options is usually required - in case your finger is injured, too dirty or someone else actually needs to unlock your cell phone. Advantages: You usually always have your own fingers with you and you don't have to remember anything. A fingerprint can only be recreated or forged with great effort and a great deal of criminal energy. Cons: Doesn't work with gloves.
face recognition
We humans recognize each other most quickly by their faces. Most smartphones with a front camera can do this too. That is the big advantage of this unlocking method. But be careful: If you don't use a 3D camera, facial recognition can often be outsmarted with just a photo. Another disadvantage: facial recognition does not always work reliably. Little light, sunglasses or hair blowing too much can cause problems. And if you're somewhere where you have to wear a mask, recognition looks bad too. That's why a second unlocking method without biometric features is usually required for this unlocking method.
Iris scan
The latest commercial lock screen unlocking method is staring you in the eye. The selfie cam or an infrared camera scans the colored circle around your pupil and thereby recognizes you. Advantages and disadvantages are comparable to those of fingerprint and facial recognition. However, an infrared camera also works without ambient light. Greater security arises from the combination of iris scan and facial recognition.
Source: Checked4you
Attention, hit fans! Fact check: No, Matthias Reim is not dead, and YouTube is not a news channel!
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