Your data is worth a lot to thieves and fraudsters;
therefore , you should be careful with the sources
these thieves and fraudsters can use to access these
data . It is time to get rid of the notion that using a
password for your devices means you have
something to hide. This will help prevent sensitive
data like banking and account details , social security
details, corporate email information , etc . from being
unnecessarily compromised .
We share five important reasons you should
password your devices .



1. To avoid pocket dialling
Pocket dialling, especially for smartphones and even
basic phones , can be humorous or annoying , but
most annoying because your airtime is being wasted
without your knowledge. Here, a preloaded phone
number can be dialled when a person has a phone in
the rear pocket and sits on it , or if the phone is
‘ jostled ’ in a purse or briefcase . This occurrence will
be reduced, if not eliminated, if your device is locked
with a passcode .



2. To protect your private information
Symantec, a leading security software maker,
conducted an experiment to encourage smartphone
users to protect their private information . In the
experiment , a phone was loaded with fake password ,
banking information , e-mails and photos , and a
tracking software was installed on it to monitor what
people will do with the phone when found. At the
end of the experiment , the result showed 72 per cent
looked through photos , 57 per cent checked out
saved passwords and 43 per cent accessed the
phone ’ s online banking app .



3. To prevent unwanted prying into your
business
This is understood . Noisy friends, partners or family
members who want to know about every and
anything you are doing will have a field day with
your ‘ password -unprotected ’ device. To protect your
privacy and avoid unbelievably embarrassing and
awkward scenarios , it ’ s best to password your device
and encourage these friends, partners or family
members to simply ask you questions about
whatever they want to know .




4. To monitor others ’ use of your device
This is important , especially if you have children
that like to play with your devices . In the process of
moving from one game app to another , children can
keep your device running without rest till your
battery runs down, regardless of the power situation .
Also, without a password , a child can easily pick up
your device and while looking for their favourite
app , mistakenly rearrange , hide or delete sensitive
information on your phone .




5. In case of theft
Theft is a sudden and unexpected occurrence . You
don’ t exactly see it coming . In the case of the theft of
your device, it will be better for you if there is a
security lock on your device. This is because it gives
you some time to inform your bank and other
relevant institutions about the theft , before the thief
is able to use personal data obtained from your
device( s ) against you.
For some devices like the iPhone, once your device
is stolen and it ’ s password -protected , it is easier to
remotely lock and wipe it .




http://punchng.com/five-reasons-password-devices/