We would like to build on as to why laptop locks should be purchased. Laptops are used every day for many different reasons. Whether it is for storing business data, personal documents, assignments for university or banking; they provide access to all our private information. Laptops are not cheap devices either. The last thing we want is for them to get stolen along with all the data they hold. Thieves steal laptops from anywhere, being the office, home, coffee shop or school. Investing in a physical laptop lock may be the best investment you make, as we argue that “the cost of losing your device and data on it could be more than worth the hassle.”
Below are guidelines to help you decide on why buying a laptop lock is a wise choice:
Consider Your Location
Laptops are portable and can be taken and used anywhere. If you take your laptop to the office, business meetings, coffee shop or along on your travels and it can be seen or reached by other people, this is a safety risk to your device. Using a laptop lock that can be secured to it on any immovable surface, safeguards your laptop from theft.
Consider Your Data
When it comes to the contents on your laptop, chances are you will have important personal information or business data stored on it. Sometimes theft is for access to information. If not backed up to the cloud, this could be a serious vulnerability. Using a laptop for work whether a personal or work laptop, should constitute companies to issue a laptop lock to that user. A simple inexpensive solution could be the difference between making a deadline or not.
Ease of Use Consideration
Nobody wants to be inconvenienced or have to spend their valuable time setting up the security for their laptop. A laptop lock must be easy to use and extremely quick to set up. To use it, the lock secures into the laptop which is attached to a strong cable which you loop around an anchor point or table leg with ease and then you’re ready to go. They take no more than a minute to secure and are small enough to carry in your laptop bag next to your charger. And just to top it off, they’re sleek and neat so that there are no bulky unattractive cables interfering with your work area, almost making them undetected in any work space.
Consider Anchor Points:
Laptop locks need to be secured to a reliable anchor point. They can be secured to a desk, wall or immovable table. Alternatively create anchor points – seen below is a glued option and works on most work surfaces or even roll-bolted to a wall. If the anchor point is not attached to something stable, it will make it easier for thieves to steal your laptop. Most laptop thefts are opportunistic in nature. After attempting to grab and pull at the cable a few times without success, they will give up and have no choice but to leave.
Lock Slots Consideration
Most laptops come with a retention socket or security slot built in. This is where the laptop lock is connected which ensures the securing of the laptop with the lock. Some devices don’t have lock slots, however a good supplier should be able to find a solution, as well as supply other options such as USB locks or wedge locks, which are for nano locks; which is something needed.
Consider Your Lock Choices
There are many different options when selecting the correct laptop lock for you. There are keyed and combination options at an entry level, as well as at higher levels using a stronger cable. There are also noble-compatible wedge locks that you could use. It all comes down to your preference and the machine slot provided. A master-keyable lock for businesses or schools; or a combination option for individuals. Use the docking station if your device cannot support the lock which prevents it from being ejected.
When it comes to owning or carrying a laptop, backing up your data is just not enough security. Physically securing your laptop is the best way that not only prevents theft and the inconvenience of insurance claims, but also protects any important information being taken or shared to the wrong person. With these effective security measures, you will have peace of mind wherever you go. For a complete range of options, see https://secuplus.co.za/laptop-and-tablet-locks/
References:
Also see article: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/laptop-lock-guide
Some photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
