Is it safe to lock the Android screen?

Smartphone has become a device to help you store a lot of personal data. You can save information such as credit card numbers, addresses or personal scanned documents. Because phones store so much important data, it is essential to create a secure password. In particular, the current security method is to lock Android phones with drawings. This type of screen lock is popular because it is easier to enter. In addition, no one can see you type letters or numbers when entering a password. However, is this screen lock type really safe?

Risks when locking Android with drawings

According to the latest security study by Lancaster and Northwest University and Bath University, 95% of the pattern lock can easily be guessed no more than 5 times. This study found that hackers can easily guess your password by filming the process of entering your password using a drawing.

When hackers get the video, they will use an algorithm to handle your finger movements. In just a few seconds, hackers will know what your password structure is.

According to Dr. Zhheng Wang, users tend to use more sophisticated key patterns to protect their personal information, but that is not necessarily safer.

If you don't want to change the screen lock method with a drawing to a password or PIN, try using a shorter drawing because it's harder to crack. Researchers recommend users to cover the screen when entering the same password as when entering a PIN code at an ATM.

Other screen lock options

You can choose screen lock with PIN code, face or fingerprint recognition, these are much more effective screen lock methods than lock with drawings. Or a traditional password is also a great choice but remember that the longer the password, the better it will be.

When creating a password, it's best not to use personal information or information that is too obvious. For example, never use your child's name, birthday or wedding anniversary.

Locking the Android screen by drawing looks convenient, but it's not a safe method to choose from. Use the above alternative security methods to protect your personal data. And what security method are you using?