Kensington lock
A Kensington lock is a lock for theft protection of mobile devices such as notebooks , video projectors and flat screens , which was originally manufactured by the Kensington company . However, the designation has established itself as a standing term for locks that work according to this principle. Devices that can be secured with one of the aforementioned locks often have a symbol in the form of a lock with a K inside.
functionality
Devices that can be secured using this technology are provided with an approximately 3 × 7 mm opening on the housing, into which the lock is inserted when open. The lock is usually equipped with a wire rope that has an eyelet at the end. The wire rope can be looped around anchors and thus attached to objects (e.g. a piece of furniture).
The locking mechanism can be designed in the form of a T-shaped coupling, which is interlaced with the opening by rotating it through 90 °. Another possible mechanism works similar to a pair of tweezers, whereby the locking hooks fit through the opening on the device when pushed together, but make it impossible to pull them out when open (relaxed).
Most of the Kensington locks are locked with a key. Here are Bramahschlösser and pin locks usual. There are also models with a combination lock .
A Kensington lock when closed.
The opening in the case for attaching a Kensington lock to a notebook.
A notebook that is protected against theft with a Kensington Lock.
safety
The Kensington lock is only as secure as it is attached to the device. On some devices, the openings for the lock are only milled in plastic, so that it is very easy to break out. In the case of higher-quality devices, the places are usually backed with metal or positioned in such a way that breaking out would make the device unusable. In addition, stolen goods should be prevented or at least made more difficult.
The steel cable that is used for securing is another weak point. It is rarely thicker than 3 mm, so that it can be easily cut with a suitable tool. The cheap round key version of the lock is relatively easy to " crack ".
Web links
proof
- ↑ Easy prey - anti-theft devices for notebooks - Johannes Endres for heise mobil (September 15, 2004)
- ^ Opening a Kensington lock. How to open a Kensington lock with a toilet paper roll. Chaosradio Podcast Network: Chaos TV, April 4, 2006, accessed July 28, 2013 .