Security¶
AssetFlow offers an optional app lock to protect your financial data from unauthorized access. When enabled, a full-screen overlay hides all portfolio data until you authenticate.
Enabling App Lock¶
- Open Settings (Cmd+,) and go to the Security section.
- Toggle Require Authentication on.

Authentication Methods¶
The available authentication methods depend on your Mac's capabilities:
- Touch ID — available on MacBooks with a Touch ID sensor (MacBook Pro/Air with Touch Bar or later)
- Apple Watch — available if you have a paired Apple Watch
- System password — always available as a fallback on any Mac
Timeout Settings¶
Control when AssetFlow locks itself with two independent timeout settings:
When Switching Apps¶
How quickly the app locks after you switch away (e.g., Cmd+Tab to another app).
| Option | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Locks the moment you leave AssetFlow |
| 1 Min | Locks after 1 minute away |
| 5 Min | Locks after 5 minutes away |
| Never | Stays unlocked until your Mac sleeps or locks |
When Locked or Sleeping¶
How quickly the app locks when your Mac's screen locks or enters sleep mode.
| Option | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Locks as soon as the screen locks or sleeps |
| 1 Min | Locks after 1 minute of screen lock/sleep |
| 5 Min | Locks after 5 minutes of screen lock/sleep |
| Never | Stays unlocked even through sleep cycles |
Tip
Set "When Switching Apps" to "Never" if you frequently switch between AssetFlow and a spreadsheet while updating values.
Lock Screen¶
When locked, a full-screen overlay completely hides all portfolio data. To unlock:
- Click Unlock on the lock screen.
- Authenticate using Touch ID, Apple Watch, or your system password.
The app automatically attempts to unlock when it becomes active, so in many cases you just need to look at your Touch ID sensor or tap your Apple Watch.

Note
When the app is locked, tooltips and hover effects are also hidden to prevent data leakage through the lock overlay.
See also¶
- Preferences: Customize display and import settings
- Backup & Restore: Protect your data with regular backups