Mark K
Registered on 07-30-08
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IT reduced security! 07-30-08 09:44 AM - Post#170428
In response to Logan 5
Management/IT demonstrates it does not trust
users (Dilbert Zone). Manually locking the screen before leaving the
room is easy and I do it even though my company inflicts a locking
screen saver on me. Thus, locking screensaver has only negatives for me
- it doesn't solve any problem, only creates them. I'm always sitting
at my desk when it goes off, usually working on another computer in my
cube.
There is no proof locking screensavers provide value and we know they
waste time. Dilbert managers and control freaks make bad decisions
because they don't weigh cost against benefit. Locking screensavers
attempt to address one risk (of unproven size) while creating two more
and reducing worker productivity and job satisfaction! By defeating
screensaver lock, I reduce two security risks, increase my
productivity, and lower my stress/blood pressure.
Locking screensaver is a poor solution to security. A hot key (a
password just for screen locking) is much better than nothing, AND as
Logan 5 pointed out, solves the security problem CREATED by locking
screensavers - people learning your password because you're typing it
so often.
A locking screensaver makes users more likely to use less secure
passwords. Another security cost. If I only type my password 5x/day
instead of 25x/day, having to hold and release the shift key more times
while typing, and using more characters are less of a consideration
when I choose a password.
Locking screensaver was an easy feature to add on to a toy to justify
it, rather than a well-considered solution to frequent data losses.
Long before Vista, the kewl, but only of entertainment value feature
was a screen saver and many people shared the latest, coolest one with
friends. Until most of them became virus and adware infected, that is,
resulting in better and safer integration of screen saving into the
user interface. For me, a blank screen worked fine for a problem I
never had - screen burn in.
Only later did turning off a monitor to save power after inactivity get
implemented. It wasn't requested, and not even supported in old
monitors. Finally, a justification for a feature created just for being
entertaining. Someday, value may be discovered for Vista and other's
desktop glitz also!
Edited by Mark K on 07-30-08 09:50 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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