Part of the Authentication glossary:

The PIN lock is an authentication measure for mobile phones that requires the entry of a personal identification number (PIN) code before a device can be used. Most mobile phone users lock their devices with PIN codes to prevent fraudulent use in case the phone set is lost or stolen.

Next Steps

A lost or stolen mobile phone presents a significant danger of identity theft. Current mobile phones, particularly smartphones, often store a great deal of information about the owner, including e-mail contacts, the owner's residence address, phone numbers of relatives and colleagues, corporate associations, social networking usernames and passwords, and banking information.

Because many mobile workers also access corporate networks and  store corporate data on their phones, a lost or stolen device can also put their company’s security at risk.

Despite the advantages of locking a phone with a PIN, a significant proportion of mobile phone owners neglect to take this simple precaution.

This was last updated in November 2012
Contributor(s): Stan Gibilisco
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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Glossaries

  • Authentication

    - Terms related to authentication, including security definitions about passwords and words and phrases about proving identity.

  • Wireless and mobile

    - Terms related to wireless and mobile technology, including definitions about consumer mobile technology devices and communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE.

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    - Terms related to security threats, including definitions about anti-virus programs or firewalls and words and phrases about malware, viruses, Trojans and other security attacks.

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