As digital devices become more and more compact and lightweight, they are inevitably more and more vulnerable to theft. While it is virtually impossible to eliminate the risk, you can still significantly deter thieves.
Key Takeaways from the StarTech.com Universal Cable Lock
- The StarTech.com universal anti-theft retails for €64.
- It’s a solid, well-designed laptop lock that’s more than enough to deter an opportunistic thief.
- It’s not the lightest or most convenient item to carry.
One tool that I have found to be very effective is the StarTech.com Anti-Theft Device. It is a cut-resistant steel cable with a length of 2 meters and one end of which has a padlock that fits into various security slots.
The other end is a loop that you can attach around a stationary object, making it much more difficult for someone to grab your device.
The characteristics of the StarTech.com universal cable lock
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Lock : tubular type (two keys supplied) with ball joint allowing 360 degree rotation and 90 degree pivoting. -
Cable length : 2 meters. -
Compatibility : Noble Wedge, K-Slot (Kensington type) and Nano.
Laptop locks are not a new concept, and with the variety of security slots found on machines (from laptops to docking stations), finding the right lock can be difficult .
The StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock addresses this problem with an adjustable tip that fits the three most common types of security slots. Simply twist the adjuster to change the tip size to fit your device.
An adjustable bit on the lock allows it to accommodate the most common sizes of security slots. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
To note : Apple’s MacBooks are a popular line of laptops… lacking security slots.
A robust cable made from cut-resistant carbon steel
Additionally, the StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock comes with several spacers ensuring that the lock fits snugly against the body of the device, preventing any rattling or scratches.
Spacers for a better fit. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The cable also includes a loop on the opposite end that can be secured around a table leg or other sturdy anchor point. At 4.4mm thick, this heavy-duty cable is made from cut-resistant carbon steel, making it extremely difficult to cut with a hacksaw or shears.
Although no lock is completely foolproof and an experienced person can undo this lock in less than a minute, it is unlikely that an opportunistic thief will have the expertise or tools necessary to force this lock without the key .
The pivot lock comes with two keys. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
A downside: the steel cable is heavy and annoying if you use it while traveling
The lock is designed to resist brute force attempts, such as ripping and pulling, helping to counter aggressive forms of attack. This sturdy design is an effective theft deterrent.
The StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock fits into a security slot. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Overall, this is a sturdy and well-designed lock to secure your belongings. The only downside: the steel cable weighing 147 g is heavy and inconvenient if you plan to use it while traveling.
Purchasing advice for the universal cable lock StarTech.com
Although a determined or skilled thief may eventually be able to overcome this lock, such individuals are rare.
It’s opportunistic thieves who pose the greatest risk, and a sturdy lock like this will likely make them think twice before trying to steal your belongings.
At the price listed, in my opinion, this StarTech.com universal anti-theft device is a very useful purchase.
Source: “ZDNet.com”