Nano-lesson · usually takes 2–3 minutes

Physical security in the workplace

Lock your screen, don't let strangers in behind you, and keep a clear desk.

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Security is physical too

A stranger in work clothes with an armful of boxes gets more doors held open than any hacker. Security is physical too: an open back door, an unlocked screen, papers on a trolley.

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Good habits

• Lock your screen when you step away (Win+L) — and log out of shared computers, so the next person doesn't end up working under your name.
• Don't let strangers in behind you — not through the main entrance, and not through the propped-open back door by the loading bay. Ask politely: "Can I help you?"
• Clear desk — put sensitive papers away and lock them up.
• Wear your ID/access card visibly — so it's easy to see who belongs there.

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Remember

💡

A locked screen and a closed door stop most "accidental" breaches.

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What the research says

Knowledge rarely turns into new habits on its own. Habits stick best when the secure option is made easy — a screen that locks automatically, doors that require a card, dedicated places to lock papers away — rather than relying on you remembering it on a busy day.

Prümmer et al., Computers & Security 2024 (meta-analysis).

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Question 1 of 3

You step away from your computer for five minutes to fetch something. What do you do?

Leave it as it is — you'll be right back, and your colleagues know you Turn off the monitor so no one can see what's on it Lock the screen (Win+L) — it takes one second

Question 2 of 3

A person in workwear with an armful of boxes reaches the card-lock door at the same time as you and looks at you expectantly. What do you do?

Ask politely "Can I help you?" and ask them to use their own card Hold the door, but keep an eye on where the person goes Hold the door — anything else would be rude

Question 3 of 3

You head off for a break. On the trolley is the list with names and health information from your round. What do you do?

Leave it there — you'll be back in ten minutes Take the list with you or lock it away Turn the paper face-down so it can't easily be read

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