Like this user, you should never protect your PC from unauthorized access

This is how you can protect your laptop. It’s not effective at all, but it’s doable. (Image: Unsplash / Intel)

From time to time we come across stories on the web that we just have to show you. Even if it’s just a little thing. Especially when it’s as funny as Reddit user u/username635’s action.

Apparently his family used his laptop a little too often. The solution? Clearly for username635: He swaps almost every key on his laptop’s keyboards. Now it’s completely unusable for anyone who doesn’t know the standard keyboard layout by heart.

You can find out here how you can really protect your computer from physical access.

Link to Reddit content

For everyone who doesn’t know: The keycaps on keyboards (including laptops) can be removed and replaced by default. However, this does not change the function of the button underneath. That means you can put the K button where the A is, for example. If you now press the K, the A will still be triggered. So nothing really changes.

Die Community finds the action as amusing as we do. Mainly because we thought the same thing as many other people: Have you ever thought of a password, dear username635? Reddit user u/efirestorm10t says:

And he’s right. But are there better ways to protect your laptop or PC from unwanted physical access? Oh yes, even some.

This is how you protect your laptop from foreign fingers

There are, of course, some far better ways to prevent family, friends, or even strangers from getting on your computer and doing mischief. Here is a list of actions you can take.

1. Strong password: It may be obvious to most, but username635’s case speaks volumes. Use a strong password or PIN to lock your laptop. The more characters, special characters and numbers, the better. A password length of around 15 characters or more is currently recommended.
2. BIOS/UEFI password: You don’t want anyone to get around your password? Then sets a password in the BIOS/UEFI. This will prevent anyone from starting the system or changing the boot order without knowing the password. Some laptops have settings that allow you to lock USB ports. This is how you protect yourself, for example, from other people’s boot sticks.
3. encrypt data: Encrypt your hard drive with suitable software such as BitLocker (for Windows) or FileVault (for macOS). This keeps your data safe even if someone has physical access to the laptop.
4. Kensington-Schloss: Does the laptop accidentally disappear and reappear in the siblings’ room? Simply use a Kensington lock to secure your laptop to a fixed object. A Kensington lock is a special security bar that is inserted into the Kensington security slot on your laptop and then attached to a fixed object.

Now you have learned a few ways to protect your computer or laptop. Do you know any other methods that prevent physical access? What do you think of the Reddit user’s idea? Will that actually stop his family from using the laptop? Let us know what you think in the comments below!