NMDPS National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Practice Exam

When users temporarily step away from their computer, activating a password-protected screen saver or locking the computer is the best practice to maintain security. This action ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot access sensitive information or data that may be visible on the screen, thus protecting personal and organizational data integrity.

Locking the computer or using a screen saver with password protection acts as a barrier to unauthorized access, while also allowing the user to quickly resume their session when they return without the need for lengthy log-ins. This approach balances security with convenience effectively.

While leaving the session active allows for a quick return, it poses a significant security risk if the computer is left unattended. Logging out completely can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if users need to re-enter passwords and navigate back to their previous tasks. Closing all applications before leaving is also unnecessary and can disrupt workflows. Thus, activating a password-protected screen saver or locking the computer strikes the best balance between security and efficiency when leaving a workstation temporarily.