Laptop locks: Is there anything worth it?

[ElbowMacaroni]

I was being deliberately vague as I concur with your questioning it... I am completely incredulous as the sheer unnecessary overkill of it all. Why even bother having a computer if one feels the need to go to such disproportionate extremes.

[spandexwarrior]

To be honest they are more of a visual deterrent they are all easy to get off. Just remember a thief wont pick it they will use a cutter or take the entire bag.

+1 on that, but the kensington by Squelch does look like a better one.

Thanks, and I'm not sure if spandexwarrior saw my post.. its not the exact same one as his but same family.

The site claims his is easier to use meaning the user can walk up and easily click it in, but how the f do you unlock it when you are done? I think it would need the key at that point.

Yep, saw the post. I like the one I have a little better than the one you posted since you can lock it without the key. They seem to have the same cable and lock though. On the one I have, the lock has two spring loaded pawls that the stud you mount in the security slot snap over - think a cheap padlock but with a pawl on each side of a single shackle. I suppose this means the lock could be shimmed. I guess I'll need to investigate this a bit more since it could be a major weakness in the system.

-Brian

[Squelchtone]

Thanks, and I'm not sure if spandexwarrior saw my post.. its not the exact same one as his but same family.

The site claims his is easier to use meaning the user can walk up and easily click it in, but how the f do you unlock it when you are done? I think it would need the key at that point.

Yep, saw the post. I like the one I have a little better than the one you posted since you can lock it without the key. They seem to have the same cable and lock though. On the one I have, the lock has two spring loaded pawls that the stud you mount in the security slot snap over - think a cheap padlock but with a pawl on each side of a single shackle. I suppose this means the lock could be shimmed. I guess I'll need to investigate this a bit more since it could be a major weakness in the system.

-Brian

ok, so humor me, it's easy to use, but how do you unlock it? does one need the key? I dont get why their webpage is so happy to announce that it is easy to use and doesn't require a key, I'm not sure which scenario in real life this would fit? a worker comes to work sits down, locks laptop to desk and then what, what happens at 5pm? do they have to go get a key from someone? I'd rather use the key to lock and unlock, additional parts just seem gimmicky and prone to be another point of failure, but I dont own one, so who knows maybe this is pretty beefy for what it is. Thanks for any details.

Squelchtone

[spandexwarrior]

I re-read the text on their website and it is vague. You don't need the key to lock it since the locking mechanism is spring loaded, just like you wouldn't need the key to lock a master No. 3. You need the key to unlock it.

It does have more parts and probably doesn't offer any better security than the traditional lock. I could see more people using it since it's slightly easier to lock so from a compliance perspective, it might help lazy folks like me lock their laptop down more often. One other thing I like is that the stud the lock clips in to stays tightly mounted to the laptop so you don't have any play between the lock and the laptop maring the case or torquing on the slot if it doesn't fit tightly. You only have to get the t-handle piece in there once and tighten the screw for a solid connection point. You do have a weird silver thing always sticking out the side of the laptop which some people might not like.

None of this might matter if it can be bypassed with a shim though, we'll see.

-Brian

[Achyfellow]

ok, so humor me, it's easy to use, but how do you unlock it? does one need the key? I dont get why their webpage is so happy to announce that it is easy to use and doesn't require a key, I'm not sure which scenario in real life this would fit? a worker comes to work sits down, locks laptop to desk and then what, what happens at 5pm? do they have to go get a key from someone? I'd rather use the key to lock and unlock, additional parts just seem gimmicky and prone to be another point of failure, but I dont own one, so who knows maybe this is pretty beefy for what it is. Thanks for any details.

Squelchtone

From what I've seen in videos, it actually uses a key. It's the same thing you posted, but with the extra piece so you can click it instead of inserting it into the laptop.

I would not put a lot of stake in a lock of this kind, unless there is a higher class of lock available. I would recommend making the laptop recoverable. Record serial numbers, personalize the case, make it scream out "if I am stolen, everybody will know".

The problem with making it scream is, I would actually have to use it, and using something that screams out makes me a bit nervous. I tend to keep everything I use as plain, normal and unattractive as possible.

Making sure your data is secure, with encryption, especially any saved passwords or credentials. Try to make it secure when it is off, and if someone manages to access it while you are logged in. If you turn around, and I someone has access to your account for a few minutes, what could they get? With passwords being saved, syncing, and other modern features, it opens up a slew of security concerns. (Quick note: don't use Google Chrome to save passwords)

Also, if you do use those kinds of services, having everything documented so you can disable the laptop's ability to access those services would be a good idea. Or limit what the laptop can access. Whatever fits your use of it.

Thanks for the tips. No, I never store passwords in browser (Disk is already encrypted, so they can format it if they fiddle enough with it but not access the data without some knowledge a standard thief does not have). Also funny thing, there is virtually zero data in the laptop. Just a bunch of lecture notes (Which are publicly available anyway). The laptop is, by all standards, worthless. I just have the habit of trying to keep everything under control.

If someone steals it well, too bad. Let him fight with the encryption, the missing hardware and all those things... and try to sell it afterwards. I don't want to make the laptop thieve proof, I just want to make anyone who decides to steal it waste a lot of time and resources so it's not worth it for him.

Does what?

make you think you are more "secure".. nope.. the machine has a firewall so there must be some network connectivity, and ethernet is just as vulnerable as wifi is (plus it's harder to find now a days)

use wifi / use a vpn / https

it just sounds like overkill for data which does not seem to mandate the level of security being proposed..

The main reason is, I just don't need wifi, or bluetooth, or webcam or microphone. I'm not going to connect to anything except my home network. There is also no physical switch to turn those features off, so I'd rather remove the modules so: A) It uses less battery B) I'm absolutely sure the modules are disabled (Integrated webcams creep me out like you can't imagine) and C) Makes the laptop even more worthless if someone decides to steal it.

The firewall is just for when I am connecting it at home via an ethernet cable to download notes for the next day. I'm not going to connect it to anything at college. Again I am not using the features, so there are no drawbacks to this decission.

[HerrMannelig]

The problem with making it scream is, I would actually have to use it, and using something that screams out makes me a bit nervous. I tend to keep everything I use as plain, normal and unattractive as possible.

A plain label of your name or department or something on the top which is hard to remove would probably be enough. A "Property of..." label would deter thieves.

Thanks for the tips. No, I never store passwords in browser (Disk is already encrypted, so they can format it if they fiddle enough with it but not access the data without some knowledge a standard thief does not have). Also funny thing, there is virtually zero data in the laptop. Just a bunch of lecture notes (Which are publicly available anyway). The laptop is, by all standards, worthless. I just have the habit of trying to keep everything under control.

I do not encrypt my disks much, but I encrypt individual files often. I use a desktop though and it is tethered to my desk, so it is unlikely to be going anywhere.

If someone steals it well, too bad. Let him fight with the encryption, the missing hardware and all those things... and try to sell it afterwards. I don't want to make the laptop thieve proof, I just want to make anyone who decides to steal it waste a lot of time and resources so it's not worth it for him.

That is the best way.

The main reason is, I just don't need wifi, or bluetooth, or webcam or microphone. I'm not going to connect to anything except my home network. There is also no physical switch to turn those features off, so I'd rather remove the modules so: A) It uses less battery B) I'm absolutely sure the modules are disabled (Integrated webcams creep me out like you can't imagine) and C) Makes the laptop even more worthless if someone decides to steal it.

That makes sense. Integrated webcams disturb me too.

The firewall is just for when I am connecting it at home via an ethernet cable to download notes for the next day. I'm not going to connect it to anything at college. Again I am not using the features, so there are no drawbacks to this decission.

That is actually something I've wanted before, a laptop with minimal hardware and networking capabilities.

For the laptop locks, I think any would work just as well given the situation you've described.

[jeffmoss26]

That is actually something I've wanted before, a laptop with minimal hardware and networking capabilities.

I believe they used to call them "books"

[averagejoe]

That is actually something I've wanted before, a laptop with minimal hardware and networking capabilities.

I believe they used to call them "books"

Actually, they were called typewriters

[HerrMannelig]

That is actually something I've wanted before, a laptop with minimal hardware and networking capabilities.

I believe they used to call them "books"

Actually, they were called typewriters

I have manual typewriters. There is one briefly visible in one of my videos, and my videos are almost all shot on my typewriter desk.

The last ten seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_1_QElwm0

[Squelchtone]

Not to derail this thread, but I would really like to get an old Smith Corona typewriter one day and write the great American novel on it.

Too bad that hipsters have taken a liking to typewriters, kinda ruins it for me.

[HerrMannelig]

Not to derail this thread, but I would really like to get an old Smith Carona typewriter one day and write the great American novel on it.

Too bad that hipsters have taken a liking to typewriters, kinda ruins it for me.

Typewriters are the original laptop.

If you do not mind doing some cleaning, I have a good Smith-Corona typewriter model available. Pay the shipping and handling and its yours. It works, and it isn't dirty really, but it stinks (as old typewriters often do) horribly. You'd want to give it a bath; I could give instructions on that.

It is a Smith-Corona Silent, an early 50s model, and one of the best portable typewriters ever.

The typewriter in my video was a Corona Silent, a 1938 model. It is the basis for the post-war model. Smith-Corona didn't go by that name until after WWII, and before that, they often kept the L. C. Smith & Corona separated (Smith for desktops, Corona for portables).

You are close to me, so it would be the cheapest UPS shipping possible, normally, $25-40. I've not shipped a typewriter in a while, so I'd have to get supplies for shipping, and I'd add that to the cost. Spent all my lunch money on locks recently...

Let me know.

Hipsters go for 60s and 70s models, so you'd be safe and have a better typewriter. The typewriter in that photo is from the late 60s to 70s, and it is made in Japan almost certainly. Back when Japan exported cheap products.

[Squelchtone]

I probably would want something from the 20's or 30's, more Victorian looking, and there's a little typewriter repair shop here in Amherst Massachusetts that I like to walk by, perhaps it's time to stop inside. I think just like locks, the mechanical nature of old typewriters appeals to me.

Thanks for the kind offer, but this is a purchase I have to make in person, like picking out a puppy at the pound, you know the right one when you see it.

Thank you again,

Squelchtone

[huxleypig]

Ahh, the old zipper trick! I try to loop something through the shackle that stops the lock/zipper unit from being moved. It won't stop someone from doing the zipper trick but it will stop them from being able to do the zip up again afterwards, which might provide some sort of deterrent.

I use the little Assa Desmo padlocks myself. If you can't afford a big new all-plastic suitcase, a cheap alternative I have seen is to wrap your bag totally in cellophane then sign your name over the top of it in permanent marker.

About the Kensington laptop locks - well, they are not very good. They do a 7 pin tubular lock that has a 'tamper evident' marker on it. So if you try to pick it with a regular tubular pick (and you do not open it very fast and smooth) then there is a trap pin that fires and blocks the plug. If you believe Kensington they will tell you at this point that the lock can now only be drilled. This is ridiculous of course, you only need to push the trap pin back down and then pick the lock as normal again. I have made what I call the 'Kensington Adapter' for my tubular pick. It just imitates they key and has a protrusion coming from the end to hold the trap pin down. You can forget about it then...

Regarding the Kensington disc detainer - I have not had a chance to play with one yet but you certainly do not need special picks to open them and if they are as cheap as I suspect they are then they will pick (using standard picks) very quickly.

[Luissen]

That makes sense. Integrated webcams disturb me too.

I saw this

http://cdn.medgadget.com/img/j9umcred.jpg

in my library. it's pretty cool, since it has a chunk of plastic that clicks over the camera, for the 'physical' disable as well as the 'digital'

Again I am not using the features, so there are no drawbacks to this decission.

I was actually surprised to see that my wifi module draws about 1.2 w just by being plugged in, despite being disabled. I'm sure other parts do similar things

[bembel]

I made this for my notebook:

https://imageshack.com/i/e9zwg4j
https://imageshack.com/i/nl0g3kj

Cut a piece of leather and do some stitches (just for the appearance)
Soak it in water, bend it and keep it bent until it's dry. Bye bye NSA.