Best laptop security locks according to redditors

I attend quakecon every year. It is a huge PC gaming convention where over 5000 people bring their usually $1000+ setups with them to play in a huge hall for 3-4 days continuously. Somehow, throughout that entire event, with little more than 2 security guards at the door at any given time and a clever little tagging system, there are often zero reported hardware thefts. Every time you leave, your bag is looked through and if something in your bag doesn't match something you checked in with, it is assumed stolen and you are arrested/questioned, especially if the item has someone else's barcode on it. That is an event with THOUSANDS of people attending, lasting multiple days, 24 hours a day and nothing gets stolen. How APEX manages to get $2500 worth of stuff stolen just seems unreal.

Before you even worry about keeping other peoples stuff from being stolen, spray paint "APEX" in huge letters on both major sides of every wii, on the tops of gamecubes, etc. Hire a security guy to stand at the door and check bags and make it clear that anyone found with an APEX branded piece of equipment WILL be arrested. You could probably even lay down some simple rules like "No outside consoles, laptops or tablets allowed in the hall" just so you know anyone leaving with this type of item will be much more obvious. Put the APEX brand HUGE on everything whether that be with paint or anti-theft stickers(these are basically stickers that are very hard to remove without leaving obvious residue). Put kensington locks on your ipads. Any valuable electronic should generally have Kensington lock holes. USE THEM. As for the cell phones, they shouldn't even BE in a position to be stolen. If you are leaving a cell phone out on a table or in an unattended bag, it is going to get stolen. Just keep it on your person. I don't know what "equipment used to run the tournament" entails but I assume that means "a laptop"... Which should have been K-locked to the table. Shit, you can buy a kensington lock kit so you can put the locks on anything (especially consoles like the wii that don't have a lock slot).

Hardware theft is no joke and it sucks that it happens but I have a hard time feeling bad when it sounds like simple steps weren't taken to prevent theft. Security is a bit of an investment but its way better than having to rebuy equipment. I bet every single piece of valuable equipment could have been secured for less than $2500, even the stuff that WASN'T stolen.

For players volunteering their systems, having Kensington lock adapters applied to each switch with a venue to provide the cable locks would be ideal. Certainly what I will propose to our venues.

I was thinking of something like this. Cheap, and also not something I'd rely on if I were, say, in a library and walked away for any significant time. But, should work great to tether your laptop to your bag (or run the cable through a jacket sleeve, etc) and with the keys, is fast enough to undo once you are through.

I don't think there is an adapter (yet). Here is a good picture of the new wedge lock for those who haven't yet had the pleasure:

https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Locks-NTZDL0001-TZADAPT-DELL-SECURITY/dp/B00A91W1B6/

The slot in the laptop looks a lot like a standard kensington slot but of course you can't get a kensington lock in it. I haven't yet found a good explanation of why the hell this was necessary.

Your Chromebook probably has what is called a "Kensington Slot" on the side so it can be secured using a "Kensington Lock".

https://www.amazon.com/Bodyguard-Notebook-Laptop-Combination-Security/dp/B01MAUEPIT

Can be convenient if you want to leave it out on your desk. You just loop the cable around the bed frame or some other piece of furniture.

Obviously putting it in your locker is better, but this is an option that might work better sometimes...

Buy a laptop lock! Awesome for the library. I have one like this. For the dorm I only had small things like jewelry and my passport, etc. so I got this safe. Its cord wraps around the post of your bed. It's not impenetrable by any means but it definitely deters theft. In my dorm we all ended up trusting each other so I didn't worry, but theft does happen!

[That's a Kensington Lock] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kensington-Desktop-Peripherals-Highest-Security/dp/B0038OMG1G)

Unfortunately, Fn is hardcoded. Another quirk of the keyboard is that the : and { } keys are Shifts: Fn+P literally presses Shift+: rather than sending ;, and { is Shift+[. You can make custom AHK shortcuts like Win+1 for PrtSc, or remap other keys to them, but there are no hidden keycodes that I've found on the keyboard. You can test keypresses with this useful tool: KeyTest.exe

I might be overselling myself since typing with both thumb and pointer is not comfortable or ideal: I use that layout for the extra touchpad precision and thumb range and mainly only use the pointer for long numbers or special cases

One use-case I'd like to make work is sending pre-programmed USB-HID (keyboard) inputs from the MicroPC to a device: for example, I plug a USB device into a security cam box and quickly launch a script from the mPC to type the login credentials and go straight to the history. Unfortunately, I haven't found a quick/clean way to do this yet via serial or USB Arduino...

Also, I keep this fingerprint reader plugged into the rear left USB for quick logins and biometrics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Z7FGKV/

I think you'd be better off with one of these.

Most crimes are those of opportunity. Anything that requires a little effort to remove is typically enough to either make it not worth the time, or draws enough attention someone may ask about it.

I typically take a backpack to keep my mouse / headphones in when I am not there. I string loops / handle through my laptop lock, then throw a little luggage lock on the zipper. Things are not only secure, but out of sight. It also doubles as a place to stash any swag you pickup. Unattended t-shirts have this bad habit of wondering off.

I also see quite a few people ziptie their mouse, keyboard, and headphone cables in with their PC and monitor cables, making them difficult to remove without a pair of clippers and a little effort. Although this doesn't help for wireless devices or swag.

I've most commonly seen these as keys for a computer/laptop lock:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natec-Lobster-Key-Laptop-Lock/dp/B008294BJC

But they are used for several things.

Not all manufactures put the same type of Kensington Lock(different size and shape lock slots) on their laptops. Anyone knows which type fits this one? This is the most used one from what I am reading: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005NCO2EA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

A set like this will lock your case, monitor, and peripherals to the table http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kensington-Desktop-Peripherals-Locking-Kit/dp/B0038OMG1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372076802&sr=8-1&keywords=kensington+lock+kit - a worthy investment for any LAN goer in my opinion!

Solutions exist

And I own an XPS 13. It has a security slot.

If you're going to use a laptop in a location where it might get snatched out from under your hands, you better have a plan for when the thief comes looking. Honestly I think some twine alone would be a sufficient deterrent against the current crop of thieves

You could try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK-Universal-Security-Adhesive-Protection/dp/B073R3KG22

I bought this one for my Surface. Might not make that much sense on a PC but works, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Fingerprint-PQI-Matching-Biometric-Security/dp/B06XG4MHFJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2QXZUEPPD4LR9&keywords=usb+fingerprint+reader&qid=1572610360&sprefix=usb+fingerp%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-5


I think that's the model. We use it at work on computers that require multiple logins instead of the cameras, and this is the first time I've seen it have a problem.



The lead RN uses basically 1 computer. That's why we gave her a camera.


The other was able to log into the 6 out of 7 computers...but that one just wouldn't read her. And she was the 2nd that day to have prolems. Since she's only there part time, and almost never uses the room that had that issue...but I'd rather have an idea on how to fix this before it spreads.

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I have swapped out readers, as we have spares (doctor had to replace his laptop due to worn USB-C charging ports, and one of the desktops ended up being the property of the former support company).

More so about the aftermarket readers, things like https://www.amazon.com/Fingerprint-PQI-Matching-Biometric-Security/dp/B06XG4MHFJ/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500842186&sr=1-4&keywords=fingerprint+reader

https://www.amazon.com/HyperFIDO-Titanium-Security-Universal-Authentication/dp/B074N9LQZL/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=u2f&qid=1558544216&s=gateway

Just literally search for U2F on Amazon.

If you’re concerned about someone snatching your laptop you could purchase a cable lock. Also I really don’t see a way for many people to get into your dorm and your roommates shouldn’t be a worry. I’ve never worried about leaving anything in my room, just make sure to close the windows leaving.

Just a laptop lock

Bodyguard Notebook Laptop Combination Lock Security Cable - 4 Digit Password Protections, Theft Deterrent - with Sturdy Thick Black Security Cable - for Desktops, Laptops and Projectors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAUEPIT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UqHHAbJ2VKTXZ

You could do this too if you don't mind the added size.

Ah OK.
Start with this.

https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Theft-Security-Hardware-MacBook-Tablets/dp/B00M0TFUO0/ref=pd_sim_147_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00M0TFUO0&pd_rd_r=FG1R94KCZ4BCMRHF9CTV&pd_rd_w=Hc3Dd&pd_rd_wg=rNNwJ&psc=1&refRID=FG1R94KCZ4BCMRHF9CTV

Look through similar options and find what would work best for you.

When you attach the anchor to the case, don't do it to the side panels, and use a really strong epoxy to attack h the anchor.

This is the only one that I could find that had a combo.

Noble Security NG37 Universal 4-Dial Combination Cable Lock

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUD3CR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0vwlyb0MZHMWZ

This one is the keyed version

Noble Locks NTZDL0001-TZADAPT DELL XPS 13IN SECURITY LOCK KIT

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A91W1B6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aAwlybGZSR3WR

Hi, I've actually had this issue in trying to order new locks for the new Dell laptop systems. Notably the XPS 13's. I've ordered a bunch of these Wedge Profile locks and haven't had an issue. Mainly the Kensington locks I order for the Dell Desktops.

https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Locks-TZ08-Wedge-Profile/dp/B00FP6CAXY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

We use these to install Mac mini’s in lab environments. They don’t make it impossible to steal, but neither does a cable security lock. I think the last time we bought these they weren’t this expensive though. https://www.amazon.com/Maclocks-Security-Mount-Enclosure-MMEN76/dp/B00B1SB3K6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505674436&sr=8-1&keywords=mac+mini+enclosure

In case you have robberies in your area, get this: http://www.amazon.com/Maclocks-Mac-Security-Enclosure-MMEN76/dp/B00B1SB3K6

A thief will have to steal anything this mac is attached to or wake you up in the process.

You could try with something like these and maybe this lock kit thingy

One last thing I forgot about, as I plan to take this to Uni, would you recommend utilizing the Kensington Lock on the monitor and looking into securing the tower itself to deter all but the most determined? I am aware that no product is infallible so I still plan to record serial numbers and add multiple stickers with contact info onto it.

I looked into securing the case and while the back is certainly possible with these things working together there is the gaping hole in the top due to the interchangeability of the top panel. So, if I was to secure it I would probably be best looking into a different case.

just below the one you bought is a unit designed for desktop and device security (for the extremely lazy thief it would seem)

amazon link

personally, i put a venomous snake inside my r4 and protected it with an ancient erectile dysfunction curse to unauthorized access.

Storage is at a premium in dorms and this is great for reading from your bed!

Edit: Almost forgot! When you're in college studying in the library or the student center, you may want to lock up your laptop. It's crumby, but people will steal and nothing is more devastating than a lost laptop! laptop lock

Edit#2: yikes I'm so forgetful. Would you like a falafel with that?

They are marketed towards offices and such but sounds like securing it to something immovable with a laptop lock is a good idea at home as well. At least for some. Of course, such can't protect it from being seriously effed up out of frustration and spite on the part of the burglar.

Speaking of these, I was surprised to discover just this morning that iPads do not have the small slot required to insert the lock. Apparently not MacBook Airs either.

Das nächste würde ich mir dann ans Bein binden ...