🔒 Recognized as a public service since 2025

Left Your Screen
Unlocked?

SnackBLAST is the beloved office tradition where leaving your computer unlocked means you owe the entire team donuts, bagels, or snacks. It's cybersecurity awareness… with frosting on top.

🍩☕🥯

What is a SnackBLAST?

A time-honored office tradition that makes cybersecurity delicious.

A SnackBLAST happens when someone steps away from their computer without locking their screen. A vigilant coworker seizes the opportunity and sends an email from the unlocked computer to the entire team.

The email announces that the "sender" will be treating the office to donuts, bagels, muffins — or whatever snack is the local favorite. The victim must honor this commitment within 10 business days.

It's fun, it's harmless, and it teaches everyone the most important keyboard shortcut they'll ever learn: Win+L or Cmd+Ctrl+Q.

From: dave.johnson@company.com
🍩 Snack Time on Me!
Hey team!

I'm thrilled to announce that I just got SnackBLASTed! That means donuts are on me this week. 🎉

Per the official rules, I have 10 business days to deliver. Start placing your orders!

— Dave (who will now never forget to lock his screen again)
Also works on Teams & Slack 💬

The Rules of SnackBLAST

Every great tradition needs structure. Follow these rules to keep it fair and fun.

01

The Unlocked Screen

A SnackBLAST can only occur when someone leaves their computer unlocked and unattended. No physical hacking, no guessing passwords.

02

The Email

The blaster sends an email from the victim's computer to the team announcing the snack treat. Use our templates below — keep it classy and fun!

03

10 Business Days

The victim has 10 business days to deliver the promised snacks. No backing out — honor the blast!

04

📧 Email, Teams & Slack

Send the blast via email, Microsoft Teams, or Slack. No changing passwords, no deleting files, no messing with settings.

05

No Retaliation

Getting blasted is a rite of passage. No sulking, no revenge plots. Accept it with grace, bring the treats, and lock your screen next time.

06

Everyone Plays

Managers, interns, the CEO — nobody is exempt. In fact, catching the boss unlocked is a legendary achievement. 👑

Get the Official Rulebook

Download the printable PDF, pin it next to the coffee machine, and watch your coworkers start locking their screens overnight.

🍩
SnackBLAST
Official Rulebook
v1.0 — 2025

📋 SnackBLAST — Official Rules (PDF)

3-page printable rulebook including all rules, cooldown periods, special provisions, and keyboard shortcuts.

📄 3 Pages 🖨️ Print-Ready 🆓 Free 🌍 International
📥 Download Rulebook (.pdf)

Pro tip: Print two copies — one for the break room, one for the IT department.

Ready to Blast Someone?

Found an unlocked screen? Click a template below and send the email in seconds.

One Tradition, Every Culture

The unlocked-screen penalty exists everywhere — just with different snacks. Click a country to switch language!

How to Never Get Blasted

Learn the shortcuts. Make it muscle memory. Never buy involuntary snacks again.

🪟

Windows

Win + L

The fastest way to lock your PC. Just press the Windows key and L simultaneously.

🍎

macOS

Cmd + Ctrl + Q

Locks your Mac instantly. You can also set a Hot Corner for a mouse-only lock.

🐧

Linux

Super + L

Works on most Linux distributions. Some may use Ctrl+Alt+L instead.

💡

Pro Tip

Auto-Lock

Set your computer to auto-lock after 1-2 minutes of inactivity. It's the safety net you deserve.

Buy Me a Donut Too! 🍩

This site is 100% free and always will be. If SnackBLAST made your office laugh, consider buying me a donut.

🍩

Support SnackBLAST

Keep the snacks coming and the servers running!

Powered by Buy Me a Coffee / Stripe · No account needed

Where Did This Come From?

The tradition of punishing unlocked computers with snack obligations has existed in tech offices since the early 2000s. Known by many names — "goating," the "doughnut penalty," or the "Hasselhoff treatment" — it became one of the most effective cybersecurity awareness tools ever invented.

In France, offices adopted a beloved version where the penalty is buying croissants or pastries for the whole team. Across Europe, similar traditions took root — each country adding its own local twist.

💡 Fun fact: Companies that adopt fun security traditions like SnackBLAST see a significant improvement in screen-locking habits. The threat of buying donuts is more effective than any mandatory training video.

SnackBLAST was born in 2025 with a simple mission: make cybersecurity fun, one snack at a time. Wherever you are in the world — lock your screen, or feed the team.