diff --git a/kscreensaversettings.cpp b/kscreensaversettings.cpp
--- a/kscreensaversettings.cpp
+++ b/kscreensaversettings.cpp
@@ -89,7 +89,12 @@
 
 QKeySequence KScreenSaverSettings::shortcut() const
 {
-    return KGlobalAccel::self()->shortcut(m_lockAction).first();
+    const QList<QKeySequence> shortcuts = KGlobalAccel::self()->shortcut(m_lockAction);
+    if (!shortcuts.isEmpty()) {
+        return shortcuts.first();
+    }
+
+    return QKeySequence();
 }
 
 void KScreenSaverSettings::setShortcut(const QKeySequence &sequence)