Potential security issue with the pattern unlock (G1)

[blackeyedbrian]

Most people will probably never notice this or never care, but here's what I noticed.

If you unlock the screen and make a call, and don't use the touchscreen much at all, someone can pick up the phone and look at the smudges on the screen and see your unlock pattern. I tried this with my daughters phone earlier and was able to unlock it without previously knowing her code.


I guess the tip is to wipe the screen off before you leave it unattended.

[Wuntyma001]

thats good news right there, never would of thought about that

[Stone]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm sure the others will appreciate it. As a matter of fact it did come up a few times yesterday. Until peeps can get a non smudge screen...my suggestion was the same as yours. Wipe the screen. It won't take that long.

:D

Stone

[happyandyv]

I don't quite know why but that makes me laugh a lot..

[suarezluis]

Just set a code that pass two times on the same line and will be more secure ;)

[raised1]

I posted a thread earlier but I think there should be more of a security barrier. Like on the Razr and/or Krzr you were able to add a code so that if you wanted to a code would need to be put in to make a call or receive a call. I am just thinking of extrea security. Also there is no way of locking your pictures or messages other than the pattern code. I mean there are nosey people out here; girlfiends, boyfriends, wives, husbands, kids.

[gootman]

Use the trackball instead if you are that worried about it

[suarezluis]

Use the trackball instead if you are that worried about it

It is possible? unlock the phone with the trackball? Such a nice feature!

[Jas0n]

i have the opposite, everybody think its a number code and try to press like its a num pad

[raised1]

Gootman,

Use the trackball instead if you are that worried about it

How would you use the trackball?

[blackeyedbrian]

I just tried it and the trackball doesn't do anything on the unlock screen.

[atoy74]

I guess if your unlock pattern is a straight line it would be easy to follow the smudge. Now, if you do a more complex pattern then the smudge would be all over the screen and difficult to tell what direction to draw the pattern.

[atoy74]

...also, dont forget that you dont need to go left -> right.

Start your pattern from a more random, less obvious point.

[McParty]

One Word............ Windex!

lol, just kidding.

[insight spinner]

LOL! ITA. I just posted that earlier today in the TIPS thread!. there I suggested you carry a piece of eyeglass polishing cloth around...it will fit easily in any case or wallet and make it easy to wipe that screen. I have also used the spray kind (SPRAY THE PAPER TOWELL...not the device. hahaha).

Also, don't lotion and then G1. ICK!