Computer Lockdown Apps and Alternatives

Whenever users leave their computers, even for short periods of time, their files and folders can, hypothetically, be accessed by anyone.

In order to make sure that private data remains private, one can use a dedicated security application that locks the entire computer, preventing the desktop from being accessed until the user performs a certain action.

These tools can lock the computer once the user activates them, which can be done in numerous ways, or after no input is detected for a period of time. For unlocking the PC, users may be required to provide a password, connect a USB drive to the computer or even pass a facial recognition test.

Of course, a simple utility may do the job just as well. More often than not, just bringing up the Windows lock screen is enough to prevent other users from accessing your personal data, provided your account is password-protected.