My understanding Is that the primary function to lock windows (Win+L) when you step away from you...

[G+_Rich Mclean]

My understanding Is that the primary function to lock windows (Win+L) when you step away from your desk either at work or at home is to keep someone physically located to peek or unlock your computer while you're away correct? What about if you lock your computer and step away, can someone remotely unlock your computer if they know the password?

[G+_Travis Hershberger]

So long as it's not a Lenovo, and you have a clean computer you should be fine.

 

If you do have a Lenovo, it's a known fact that they have left their machines wide open to BIOS level remote access for anyone that know the link all their BIOS check at every boot.

[G+_Kjell Johnson]

Well, it depends.... Yes, if you use windows remote desktop. However, the PC needs to be configured to accept incoming connections. Sidebar, if you are at a corporation, some technician software (BMC Footprints) may have you staring at a windows lock screen. Other than that, I don't have too much experience with mac or linux RDP software.

[G+_Rich Mclean]

Thanks Travis, it sounds like the best option is to lock your pc with a secure password in either case. Does the password needs to be as secure (long, alpha, numbers, characters) as let's say, your bank account password?

[G+_Rich Mclean]

Kjell, thanks, windows remote access is disabled

[G+_Ben Reese]

There are other pieces of software used for remote access too. VNC, TeamViewer, Go To My PC, etc. If it's a corporate machine, desktop support probably has some way in. I imagine RDP could probably be enabled remotely if Remote Procedure Call is enabled. And if you're talking about a company machine, someone else may have RDP permissions even if you don't.

[G+_Michael Muni]

if its a work PC they will be able to. The site admins will have access to do pretty much anything and even if they don't have your password they can access any files on the machine or view what you do while your logged on.

 

If the company is good they will till you if they do these things.

[G+_Rich Mclean]

Thanks all, what about for a home PC, remote admin is disabled, sharing is disabled, no one to peek, do I still need to lock it if I go get a cup of coffee?

[G+_Ben Reese]

Rich Mclean I don't usually lock my home PC. Not saying I shouldn't.... I just don't typically. Occasionally I'll hit it with an RDP connection from my phone while walking out the door which effectively "locks" it.

 

If someone breaks into the house and the computer is unlocked, they could get passwords from Chrome, or LastPass, or KeePass, or wherever they're stored. However, that person could also just steal the computer.

 

Just depends on your level of paranoia. If you're using whole drive encryption, it's probably smart to also lock or shut down the PC when you leave.

[G+_Rich Mclean]

Ben Reese Thanks Ben, appreciate your feedback.

[G+_Michael Muni]

If they know the password, to connect remotely they would need to join your local network. Connecting remotely over the internet (WAN) would require you to setup port forwarding on your router.

[G+_Rich Mclean]

Michael Muni Thanks Michael

[G+_Jason Marsh]

That's like asking if you can leave the toddler home alone for a few minutes to go get an ice cream. Lock it any time you're leaving the house/office/what-have-you.