Posted by SecExtra on August 09th, 2009

How will a computer security cable protect my laptop?

You hear about it every day. Laptop theft is not just the loss of your laptop, it’s the loss of your information, your work, financial data… So what can you do about it? One of the first steps to take is to attach your laptop whenever possible using a security cable. It’s a little bit like a burglar alarm. When you show people that you have taken measures to protect your laptop, they’ll think twice about trying to steal it.

It’s also necessary to buy a good computer security cable. Poor quality cables just don’t do the job.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know to make the right choice. Most laptops made today have a design that automatically lets a cable be attached to the laptop chassis. If this is the case then use this capability. It’s called a universal security slot (USS) and is designed for computer security cables to attach to. Often, you’ll see a small icon printed on the casing of your PC indicating a padlock. The USS will then be next to this icon.

Click here to take a look at a huge range of computer security cables at amazon.com…

If your laptop does not have this, then you can consider using cables with adhesive pads. This is the system used in many electronics stores to safeguard their display equipment. It may not be as effective as attaching to a USS, but is a deterrent measure.

In addition to this, make sure that the lock for the computer security cable is robust and will stand up to at least casual tampering. If you need to choose between the two types of tumbler locks or cylinder locks, then choose cylinder locks because they are more difficult for thieves to pick.

All this is for naught if you don’t have something solid to attach your computer and its security cable to. Make sure that you attach to a weighty item or anchor point that cannot be cut, broken or otherwise manipulated in order to slip the cable off and steal your PC.

Attaching your cable to something that is lightweight could too easily give thieves the bright idea that they should attack the anchoring point and leave with your PC and your security cable still attached. That means you would not only lose your laptop and cable, but that you would probably need to pay for repairs of what was left.

Some years ago when computer memory was relatively expensive, there were numerous thefts seen in businesses and offices, not of PC’s, but of the chips inside them. For the thieves, it made economic sense. Rather than bother with cumbersome material, screens and hard-drives, they could walk out with the small memory chips in their pocket and resell them at a high price. Although the market for memory chips has come down dramatically since then, remember that other easy-to-steal accessories can also be at targets and that anything that is not attached with a computer security cable can easily disappear.

Click here to take a look at a huge range of computer security cables at amazon.com…