Front-line Security – Screen Savers

Activating
a password-protected screensaver on users’ desktops often provides more
protection from unauthorized access than by issuing them with strong
network login passwords, according to TruSecure.

Their logic is interesting; most corporate security violations are internal
and involve no hacking, just unothorized use and access.With strong network
login technology people tend to login when they start working and leave
the connection up and open throughout the day.  They also have a
tendency to write down those long passwords further increasing vulnerability.

However, the article concludes that the greatest practical level of
security available is through tokens or smartcard technology, on the
theory that with a physical key you know when it has been lost, stolen
or compromised.  Maybe.

from
ZDnet