Best computer security cables according to redditors
We found 67 Reddit comments discussing the best computer security cables. We ranked the 17 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 67 Reddit comments discussing the best computer security cables. We ranked the 17 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Pretty much as /u/blockhead123 says, your shit isn't safe until you have your own space. But there are some things you can do about it.
Get a laptop lock. Lock it to something relatively immovable. I'm fairly certain all laptops have a security slot for these.
Here is what we use.
Works well.
https://www.amazon.com/CableTethers-Universal-Cable-Tether-Pack/dp/B079Y72Z81/
It might be worth it for people to buy a lock similar to this. There are newer ones and ones that use a code instead of key. I bought mine in 2014 and have found it to be handy when working on my laptop anywhere outside my house or on when I'm on vacation. It prevents the casual theft but if you have top secret info then I'm sure someone could break it :)
That's for a Kensington Lock like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
I have one of these, works great.
Laptop lock: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
Removing a hard drive: http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Hard-Drive
Password protect a flash drive: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-password-protect-your-usb-stick-3-easy-ways/
Scan for keyloggers (download free version): https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Combination-Laptops-Devices-K64673AM/dp/B005J7Y99W
For locks like these.
There are two things I've personally done in my environment that have helped tremendously. With 350ish workstations.
AV Side - Disable USB Ports with something like ESET that compares against a table of acceptable hardware. However this doesn't always solve the rubber ducky usb problem as physical keyloggers will just pass through the keyboard GUID.
Physical - Something like this in every port. Make it part of your deployment procedure and you would have to schedule time to get hands on every machine already deployed, which kinda sucks. But honestly physical security is your weakest link most of the time.
Can't install keyloggers if your ports require a key to get into and you can't remove current USB devices.
I'm going to assume this is in a dorm. People aren't as likely to steal a desktop, especially if it's cheap looking and they don't know what's inside it. If you're concerned about it getting stolen, then you will want to use something that doesn't draw attention. Even if you trust your roommate, you can't trust everyone they might have around. Theres also the real possibility of somebody forgetting to lock the door.
You don't need to go full out on a new pc as well. You can still build a good, respectable pc just not with a 1080. The 1070 is still a very beastly card.
You will want to get something like this as well to make sure it's all locked down and people can't get inside to get the card.
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
Saw your build so I'l give you a few things to think about. Even if you want it to last awhile, you don't need to go all out now. Especially if you don't have the money to possibly replace it. SSD prices will only continue to go down, so I think you'd be ok with a smaller one. As for the standard drive... never go seagate unless you want to replace a dead/failing drive in a few years. If you aren't too set on the ssd you can use just a larger regular drive but at the least I'd very strongly recommend replacing the seagate with the WD black here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4841F03500
The case isn't too flashy so that's good. (check your card dimensions to make sure the card will fit in the case). If you go down a bit in the cpu you can save money, can get rid of the liquid cooler(liquid cooled means really expensive to most people) and get rid of the arctic silver. In general Corsair stuff is fantastic so no worries there.
Overall I would say cut the costs down on your pc as well as using security would make it much less likely a target of theft. It's still up to you what kind of build you want but honestly if you snipped some things here and there you could get something almost as powerful for half the price. That's just my opinion though and I prefer to weigh price and make things that are good but not best of the best while being build to last a long time.
Chassis lock: This lock replaces the thumb screws making it harder for someone to open the side panel. It comes 1 per pack, so buy 4 if you can.
Padlock + [Security Cable](http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-72DPF-Braided-Diameter/dp/B000BD8IQ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408303692&sr=8-2&keywords=security+cable) + Drill: This depends on the case. I have the r4 and was able to drill a hole in the back. I tied my PC to my bed frame. Here's what mine look like on a R4
Lastly a Kensington lock for the monitor.
Desk attachment for a laptop security cable lock.
Anchor point
Kensington lock: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
I've never used one but there are cable locks for desktops. example
Consider full disk encryption in case it does get stolen.
A Kensington lock would probably do you. Almost any laptop made today has a little slot for it.
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
Can try something like this
or this
Nothing will stop people from stealing your shit if they really want it, but you can prevent people from snooping around and removing parts.
While I hate to vilify college dorms, bad things CAN happen.... that doesn't mean they will. I had a pretty shitty roommate (dealt drugs, never locked the door, had randos over all the time, was from Oregon, etc) my freshman year and the only thing that ever happened was that he caused me to have to pay to replace a closet curtain when we moved out at the end of the year.
I lived in a wing that didn't have a lot of Computer Science majors, and pretty much everyone in that wing knew that myself and 2 other guys were the "tech" guys. Nothing bad ever happened to our computers and we usually helped other people with theirs. That said, we also weren't boasting about what we had in our machines... so as long as your PC doesn't LOOK expensive or incredibly special you'll likely be fine... people who are going to steal your ish are probably looking more for a quick easy grab like a tablet or something... something that they KNOW the worth of (or at least know it'll be worth the trouble, maybe not the exact cost).
After freshman year you'll likely be fine. You'll make friends and group up with people for your coming years. So just don't pick someone who does shady shit to room with after freshman year and you'll be good to go.
Glad you got it back OP. How someone could do that to another person is beyond me. I know this may be a bit excessive but if you're paranoid, something like this may help.
Replace the thumb screws with a locking screw (or a real screw, but it's less safe). And make sure all of your components are screwed in if possible. You can even use some obscure screw type like the T8 (and if you can find it, with pins).
I would second the cable lock as well. If you are able, bolt the thing down under your desk or behind it (if the cable lock wouldn't work). I even once saw a guy use a bike u-lock and attached it to his bed frame.
Source: Was an RA and Head Resident for 2 years.
You're assuming that the only things people use laptops for are gaming and internet. But people use them for all sorts of different tasks that you probably need more than a netbook for. Audio and video production, graphic design/art, programming, web design, etc. I do audio production, and I want to be able to easily bring my work outside of my house, so I have a laptop. But if there is a netbook I can get for 250 dollars that can handle multitrack audio projects with tons of processing, please let me know because that would be huge news to me.
>People buy a $700 laptop just to browse the internet when they could get a $250 chromebook. Those who purchase a $700 laptop for internet browsing are idiots for wasting $450.
Even if someone only wants to browse the internet and do other basic tasks, maybe they want a bigger screen than a chromebook has.
>People who buy $3000 'gaming' laptops are idiots. Their battery life will never justify their 'mobility'. They are rarely moved because of this, and instead their owner could've purchased a desktop for much less with the same amount of power. Their buyers are fools.
So what? They can still plug it in and play games in places like airports, coffee shops, college campuses, etc. Outlets are everywhere. But it would be impractical to take your desktop everywhere.
>Anything more expensive than a chromebook is a piece of shit, as it cannot be upgraded. A new $500 laptop is more expensive than one $100 upgrade.
What are you talking about? I upgraded the RAM on my Macbook Pro with non-Apple RAM chips, it works just great. Sure, maybe desktops have even more interchangeable parts, but the average person doesn't ever plan on upgrading their computer anyways whether they own a laptop or desktop. Also, I fail to see how nonupgradable necessarily makes something a piece of shit.
>They cannot be overclocked. Their lack of superior cooling and often locked CPUs, GPUs and RAM are the reason for this. This shortens their potential lifespan.
I don't even know what the hell this means, and neither do most other computer users, whether they own a desktop or laptop. If you don't plan on ever overclocking your computer, then it doesn't matter whether your computer is able to do it.
>Laptops are easier to steal than a desktop.
You can buy a lock for your laptop at home. If you're just arguing that it's easier to steal a laptop because people carry them around, then obviously that's true. It's up to the user to decide whether the risk of having their laptop stolen is worth bringing it out in public. But as long as you keep it with you at all times that probably won't happen.
You seem to be assuming you have thought of everything that anyone could ever want to use a computer for, but you obviously haven't.
Tell him you have a tracking device in it and add this when no one is around.
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463212466&sr=8-1&keywords=pc+lock
He's right.
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Cable-Guard-Rectangular-K67719US/dp/B001XUQNDY
A lot of TVs actually have security lock holes on them like you find on laptops. If you find a TV that has that, you can get a standard laptop lock and secure it to a bedframe or dresser/desk.
EDIT: Here is a kit that is specifically made for TVs without the lock hole, it just uses the mounting screws
also these
http://www.amazon.com/Ziotek-ZT1320380-Security-Desktop-Computer/dp/B000BSHJKA/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1376339076&sr=1-3&keywords=desktop+lock
I've read people use something like this. Any light lock can be cut easily, at least this one will make noise if someone tries anything.
Notebook security cable. Like this.
Kensington Combination Cable Lock for Laptops and Other Devices (K64673AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005J7Y99W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Oh6kDbTM2V5XQ
Not sure if that is what it is but looks like it.
Look for Kensington locks. Make sure you don't buy a knockoff from ebay.
Kensington 64068F MicroSaver Keyed Laptop Lock for Business https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000K4KH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_niEyybHTHERS3
check out that link for lockscreen pro. They have screenshots and instructions on how it works. If someone steals your laptop they may be able to circumnavigate the picture. If you're worried about locking it down even if it's stolen, you may be interested in a software such as https://preyproject.com/ . This is a monthly subscription service.
​
Also, you should be able to retrieve your biometric driver here: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers . Your serial # will most likely be found on the bottom of your laptop. If not, then follow the drop downs for the correct device that you have.
​
Also, most laptops come installed with a wedge security slot so you can install a lock to prevent anyone from physically stealing the laptop.
I came here to see if someone said this. Maybe use one of [these](RUBAN Notebook Lock and Security Cable (PC/Laptop) Two Keys 6.2 foot (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJHQFLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HQ1BCbZC1V460). They come in both lock and key and combination lock styles. Though in your situation I would suggest the key which you could keep with you at all times.
Many similar products already exist https://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Motion-Sensor-Notebook-Computer/dp/B00004Z76C
Or location services https://www.absolutelojack.com/
Lock slot.
You can use it with locks like this to keep people from walking away with it.
I have one of these for my pc and both of my monitors. Since my desk is at the end of my bed they're tied to my bedframe. Won't stop anyone serious about trying to take my stuff but it will definitely stop someone from picking it up and walking off. Also one of the reasons I went windowless case.
I would probably use an adhesive cable lock system similar to this.
I have no experience but maybe this would help.
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
Hey buddy, use something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Notebook-Security/dp/B00000K4KH/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408125290&sr=1-2&keywords=security+cable+lock
There is a lock port on the Xbox One designed to fit these cables.
$20 each on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Defcon-Notebook-Computer-Security-System/dp/B0057J9RR6/
Its just a laptop lock.
Does it have a location for a cable lock like on a laptop?
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
Have you searched server rack shelf on amazon? As long as you don’t require rolling rails I think it’s a good option.
EDIT:
I found server drawers. Looks like a interesting way to mount a bunch of pi’s.
New 2U / 3U / 4U Drawer Rack Mount DJ 19'' Rack Case Equipment Deep Drawer Key Lockable (2U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP17YHF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1sPTDbDP1HXGX
Put some fans and a power supply in it DIY up a case.
A moderately durable footlocker and a pad lock might do the trick. Yes, someone could take the whole thing, but if you're among people that would take an entire foot locker, you shouldn't have a laptop there in the first place.
footlocker on amazon
If you have some permanently attatched fixture in the room (bunk that is bolted to the ground, old school gas/water pipe/etc) you can also try a Kensington cable lock; its what many schools and businesses use to keep passersby from just walking away with electronics. Most laptops have a little slot where you can connect it to the frame.
Kensington cable lock for laptops on amazon
It should go without saying, but encryption is also your friend. Bitlocker (if you have a TPM module in your computer) or even Truecrypt will keep all but the most determined (and even then...) from doing anything useful with your laptop.
Information on Truecrypt
It locks down your pc via a cable in one place so noone steals it. https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
Yep. Laptop thefts are crimes of opportunity. Someone smarter (and probably less ethical...) than OP saw their laptop sitting unattended and took it. Any cable lock at all, like the first result from Amazon, would have prevented it.
The rest of the advice in the infographic is ok - always encrypt/password protect, have backups, etc - but they won't actually prevent your shit from getting stolen.
The best way to prevent that is to always be aware of your surroundings and don't let your stuff out of your sight. If you have to leave your stuff unattended, lock it up. Preferably in view of a security camera.
I find it hard to sympathize with people who leave their laptop sitting at a table and find it missing when they return from the restroom, but it's a mistake that most people will only make once.
There are peripheral locking kits that let you pass the usb (or other) cables through metal brackets that are in turn secured with the same steel cables you use to lock the desktop/monitor/laptop. eg, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036Z9TNU
I also live in a dorm and have a bunk bed in my room with a desk underneath it. I drilled two holes through my case that are about the circumference of a nickel. I looped a bike lock around the bunk post and through the holes in the tower. It may not be completely impossible to steal but it prevents someone from walking off with it.
I also put a kensington lock on my laptop using the same method with the bed post.
Just make sure you and your roommate keep the door locked at all times and you should be fine.
I forgot to mention I'm in the UK, I had a look on Dell UK's store for accessories, I found what I believe is the same Kensington lock for much less cost on Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00006B8NO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Should be compatible!
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
Like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Motion-Sensor-Notebook-Computer/dp/B00004Z76C
Get a mailbox at a UPS Store, not a PO box, for your mail. UPS, DHL, FedEx, and other non USPS services won't deliver to a PO box.
Planet Fitness is the cheapest gym i know about that has showers. Not sure what their locker policy is.
I didn't see, but if your computer is a laptop, I highly suggest a security cable. link This helped save my best friend's laptop when she was in college when her room got broken into, and I used it to secure my laptop so I could charge it while I was sleeping in hostels while traveling. If you're sleeping in your car, you could discretely have the cord coming out of the corner of the laptop bag, and then have it secured to something on your car. I doubt someone will try to burgle you while you're in it, but you never know.
Look into places where you can get a locker of some sort, if Planet Fitness or another gym isn't an option.
Research the various subreddits for homeless, almost homeless, frugal, and car living for ideas. I recently thought I was going to be homeless for a span of 3 weeks, and got a lot of great tips there.
As easy as it is, don't eat too much tuna per week. There are a ton of great proteins out there that don't have levels of mercury that make it so you need to be careful of how much you eat.
Thank you! You mean like one of these?
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
If you had that much important data in a laptop you should probably in vest in one of the three... If you are so smart, why not take the precautions...
People piss me off with their lack of understanding in technology.... He sure got that thief.... moron...
You will want to secure the case and monitor to something like a large desk or radiator using a security cable. Many monitors and most laptops have a security port specifically for this purpose, though most cases do not. You will want something like this.
Obviously it wouldn't be that big of a deal to brute force your way past measures like these, but that means more time and more noise which equates to them being more likely to get caught which is in itself a deterrent.
> split loom
Ah thanks. See, there were some terms I was missing. Split loom was definitely a help. It led me to this product which I think might help me.
http://www.amazon.com/Install-Bay-BCC14-4-Inch-100-Pack/dp/B0049MV0YU/ref=pd_sim_107_2
No idea if the Go Pro has the locking point, but most electronics have these locks.
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU/ref=asc_df_B0036Z9TNU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309807187084&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10666146118660939204&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9073503&hvtargid=pla-381991996926&psc=1
​
That said, I would gaff tape the shit out of it. If you put so much tape on it that it'll take 10 minutes to get it out, you'll probably catch anybody that messes with it before they can make off with it.
Cold? In September? Where are you coming from? ;)
I've been to the previous two DH:Montreals and have run into zero issues with leaving your equipment unattended. You can always get a PC lock if you have worries but there is security checking all PCs/Monitors to verify its going home with the right person (checks against ID numbers put on equipment and badge). The biggest issue I ran into with anything was that my first time round I had a full size case and assumed there would be elevators to get into the space (there isn't). Instead I had to carry everything down then up then up then up then up to get to the BYOC floor. I've since rebuilt to a mini-itx for this purpose.
This year is a new venue (previously its been at Place Bonaventure) so can't speak to their food situation. Before it was in the middle of a busy metro area attached to an underground mall with a great food court with both healthy and less healthy options. This year it looks to be in the middle of a neighborhood at the olympic sports center.
Other things which may have impact on you - I'm from the US and don't speak French. Almost every interaction I have had began with the vendor/volunteer speaking French, me going "....what?", a bit of an awkward laugh, followed by them restarting the conversation in English. This was a problem only once when we arrived our first year and signage was poor and we struggled to find our seats. Somehow the only volunteers I could find to assist did not speak english. To this day I'm not certain if my group ended up in the right seats.
https://smile.amazon.com/Kensington-Desktop-Peripherals-Locking-K64665US/dp/B004SPZ6WA I just bought these for hubs and I for BYOC
I don't think you'll have to worry about your laptop getting stolen out of your room, but if you want to be extra safe, look into getting one of these.
What kind of security are we talking? Physical security, such as picking it up and walking off? Example
Protecting the machine using software is easy and ranges from free to thousand$ of $$: Check this out
There are other ways involving physical hardware devices. Check this explanation out
Any of this help??
I have seen one. It bolts around the surface like a clamp, leaving the screen uncovered. A bit thick and a wee more bulky.
This one from Kensington clamps around the stand.
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Microsoft-Surface-Keyed-K62044WW/dp/B075NZZDWC
There are others that a glue on metal tabs that a cable can then be locked onto.
I've heard about multiple solutions to this: some people build their computers in unassuming cases, others hide them behind common objects , and some recommend just not showing off your nice shit while keeping your doors and windows securely locked. There's always Kensington locks if you want to be super sure. A casual thief (read: casual) isn't going to randomly have the gear to mess around with that. And honestly, most thieves are neither equipped or have the knowledge to open up your case and take out individual parts once it's bolted down.
Kensington USB port lock.
​
​
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Cable-Guard-Rectangular-K67719US/dp/B001XUQNDY
I think that may be a hole for a laptop lock, like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-64068F-MicroSaver-Laptop-Business/dp/B00000K4KH
https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU
Sorry if this seems rude but isn't the point of these locks that you mount them to a heavier fixed object like a desk so they can't be moved? If you cable the Case to the Monitor a thief could easily take both, right?
I guess you could get something like this and wrap the cable under a desk leg so they have to lift the desk maybe? or use the adhesive pad to attach to the desk in the back?
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64615US-Desktop-Computer-Peripherals/dp/B0036Z9TNU