Smartphones contain a wealth of personal information. In the event of your mobile device being lost or stolen, the first line of defense is locking it securely. Smartphones offer several locking options including patterns, pins, passwords, and biometric methods. 

Pattern

• Uncheck the "make pattern visible" option. This makes it much more difficult for people around you to see your pattern. 
• Use six or more nodes in your pattern
• Don't use a simple or common pattern. 40% of patterns start in the top left corner and 77% start in one of the four corners.

PIN

• Use at least a six digit PIN. 
• Avoid simple number sequences (123456), simple patterns of numbers (147147), and just repeating the same number (111111)
• Don't use a significant date like your birthday or anniversary.
• Don't use any part of your address as your PIN number.

Passwords

A long alphanumeric password is stronger than either a PIN or a pattern.

A common mistake is using passwords like 123456 and password. These, and others like them, are easily cracked by hackers.  A key tip is to always remember that the longer the password, the better. 

Refer to our recommendations for creating strong passwords when creating a password.

Face ID & Touch ID

Many phones now include the option to unlock your phone with a fingerprint or with your face. These options are generally secure but there is a 1 in 50,000 chance that someone else's fingerprint will unlock your phone. The chances of someone else's face unlocking your phone are only 1 in a million but it still a possibility. 

Touch Identification can be used in combination with a PIN or a password. This is an excellent way to increase security.