Google added the Pattern Lock feature to Android around 2008, which is currently the preferred authentication method for most Android users. Pattern lock is most commonly used alongside biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or Face ID. However, security experts are advising to be careful about using the popular pattern lock on Android phones. In this post, we will know why using pattern lock on Android phone unknowingly can cause danger, and also know about some effective alternatives to pattern lock.
Weakness of Pattern Lock
The biggest advantage of pattern lock is its ease of use. Talking about the convenience of remembering pattern lock easily. As passwords are made up of different letters, symbols, etc., it may seem difficult to remember, but this is completely the opposite for pattern lock. Anyone can memorize your pattern lock with almost a glance Pattern locks are relatively easier to use and remember than other input-based authentication methods.
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Most people choose patterns that are easy to remember. Most people use familiar patterns as lockscreens. Many people start their pattern from the top-left corner dot, many start the pattern from either corner. Others choose the shape of a letter for the lock pattern. In this case, the first letter of the user's own name or the name of a loved one is used most of the time. Also, many times there is a pattern lock opening mark on the phone screen which can be seen by someone else to guess the pattern.
Most users use only four to five nodes to create their lock patterns. As a result, any attacker can easily guess the lock screen pattern. In the case of patterns, using simple patterns has security flaws, while using complex patterns has a tendency to be forgotten as well as trouble during entry.
How to Make Pattern Lock Stronger
Looking at the mentioned things, you can surely understand that you should be a little more aware if you want to use pattern lock as an authentication method on your favorite smartphone. If you want to use Pattern Lock as an authentication method, follow these tips:
- Avoid using patterns that are easy to guess
- Try to make your pattern somewhat complicated and difficult so that others can't guess or figure it out at a glance. Try using long patterns, you can use up to 9 nodes to add more security
- Start your lock pattern from a node out of habit rather than from any corner. This will reduce your tendency to guess or misunderstand the pattern lock
Alternative to Pattern Lock
If you don't want to use pattern lock keeping in mind the above, you can use other secure options. Let's know about Pattern Lock options.
First you can use complex password combinations using lower and upper case letters, symbols, numbers, etc. Hard passwords are certainly harder to guess or decipher than the average pattern lock. If you want to ensure the maximum security of the lock screen of the Android phone, it is best to use a password.
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You can also increase the security of the lock screen by using a PIN. Although PINs are quite common, using simple PINs can lead to security issues. Avoid using simple PINs like “1234” or “0000”. Also, avoid using easily guessed numbers like your phone number or date of birth as a PIN.
Biometric authentication tools such as fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, and even Irish scanning are present in our smartphones. These methods are much faster and more secure than traditional authentication methods.
Smart Lock is an advanced Android feature that helps unlock the phone using on-body detection, trusted places or trusted devices. This is a very advanced feature, which is best not used if you don't have a complete understanding of it.
Updates related to smartphone security are constantly being added. If you want to use pattern lock in such a situation, you have to be very careful. Also, don't forget to ensure the security of your personal files and digital life by adopting the right strategy using the mentioned alternatives