Screen Locking

Protecting your physical access to ARC systems is critical.

Why Lock Your Screen?

Anyone with access to your unlocked terminal can:

  • Submit jobs in your name

  • Access your data and files

  • Modify or delete your work

  • Compromise your account

Always lock your screen when stepping away, even briefly.

Locking on Linux/Unix

Command Line

# Lock current terminal
lock

# Or logout completely
exit

# Or press Ctrl+D

Desktop Environment

GNOME:

  • Press Super (Windows key) then click user icon

  • Or press Super+L

KDE:

  • Press Meta+L

  • Or click application launcher > Lock

SSH Sessions

When working remotely via SSH:

# Lock your local machine (not the remote session)
# On your laptop/desktop, use the OS lock shortcut

# For tmux/screen sessions
tmux: Press Ctrl+B then :lock
screen: Press Ctrl+A then X

Locking on Windows

Quick Lock

  • Press Windows Key + L

Start Menu

  • Click Start > User icon > Lock

Screen Saver

  • Set screen saver to start after 5 minutes

  • Require password on resume

Locking on macOS

Quick Lock

  • Press Control + Command + Q

Hot Corners

  • System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners

  • Set corner to “Lock Screen”

Best Practices

Always Lock When

  • Leaving your desk

  • Taking a break

  • Going to lunch

  • Ending workday

  • Leaving conference room

Don’t

  • Leave terminal unlocked overnight

  • Share your unlocked workstation

  • Write passwords on sticky notes

  • Leave laptop unattended in public

Use Automatic Locking

Linux:

Navigate to System settings ‣ Power Management ‣ Blank screen delay

Windows:

Navigate to Settings ‣ Personalization ‣ Lock screen Settings ‣ Accounts ‣ Sign-in options ‣ Require sign-in: When PC wakes

macOS

Navigate to System Settings ‣ Lock Screen ‣ Require password after sleep/screen saver: Immediately

Physical Security at ARC

Workstation Usage

  • Assigned desk has white cable (do not disconnect)

  • Red cable for personal laptop

  • Lock your workstation when leaving

  • Don’t leave personal items unattended

General Guidelines

  • Report suspicious activity

  • Don’t prop open secure doors

  • Keep access cards/passwords secure

  • Lock laptops in cabinets when not in use

Emergency Procedures

Lost/Stolen Device

  1. Change your password immediately

  2. Contact Helpdesk: help@hpc.msstate.edu

  3. Report to MSU Police if stolen

Unauthorized Access

  1. Lock your screen immediately

  2. Report to Helpdesk

  3. Document what you observed