USB lock provides dubious security solution

Given that virtually all laptops have one of those standard (and not exactly secure) Kensington locking ports built in, we're not sure why someone would go to the trouble to replicate that functionality using one of the computer's USB ports. But that's the idea behind the USB Port Security Lock, which apparently latches onto the inside of your USB port when a key is turned. We suspect that this has got to cause at least some damage to the USB port, and we already know it can't be incredibly secure, so we assume that the real reason this is on the market is so that the developers can sell them to gullible customers who will then leave their laptops lying around, blithely unaware that they're not actually secure, while the manufacturer tracks them down, snaps the locks and scoops them up. Either that, or it's just a garden-variety scam.

[Via The Red Ferret]

[Michael @ Jan 18th 2006 11:53AM]

The best it might do is deter people from USING the USB port...

[Vini @ Jan 18th 2006 11:57AM]

I work in a factory specialising in wire and wire products, we use the Kensington locks:- theyre a pointless excercise.

Kensington locks use thin wire, our factory, is littered in wire cutters. These look even more fragile.

[Damo @ Jan 18th 2006 12:04PM]

Off topic...is anyone else having an issue with the RSS feed showing "

[eMarrs @ Jan 18th 2006 12:16PM]

if it were to include some sort of tracking in the usb key then it may be more useful. The thief would have to either leave this in or tear it out causing some harm to the laptop.

[GeeksAreSexy @ Jan 18th 2006 12:19PM]

Pathetic.. never seen a more ridiculous solution for locking laptops..

[Foof @ Jan 18th 2006 12:29PM]

Can't wait for the hilarious rash of service calls from "customers" who have USB ports "somehow ripped out of the motherboard."

[Preston Wily @ Jan 18th 2006 12:47PM]

Maybe it's a ploy by retailers of USB PCMCIA cards to do a little more business...

[Matt Thurston @ Jan 18th 2006 12:58PM]

If you want your laptop to be secure, keep it with you. No $20-40 device is going to work worth a damn.

[Matthew Baggett @ Jan 18th 2006 1:12PM]

5 - Hahahahhahahahhahahahhaa

I love the fact PCMCIA just come out when you pull on them.

[Chris @ Jan 18th 2006 1:12PM]

Anyone ever use one of those VGA adapter locks? I saw one in Fry's a few weeks ago and it looked pretty sturdy and actually screwed into the vga adapter on the back of the laptop with a passthrough if you want to use it for video.

Something lik this I guess: http://www.wesecure.com/cgi-bin/mivavm?Merchant2/merchant.mvc+Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=LSK

[travis @ Jan 18th 2006 1:36PM]

The only way I could see these having any benefit (other then peace of mind to the mindless) is if they incorporates some type of program where your computer would send an email or something if it was removed...at least then you would at least have a time when the crime occurred and might be able to narrow the suspects a little bit...or maybe even have it trigger a web cam to take a pic and email it or something...of course this is all assuming your pc still has network connectivity when they rip the thing out of there...

[eric @ Jan 18th 2006 1:38PM]

The point of said locks is to provide a token visual deterrant. Maybe it sets of a high whine, like at Best Buy whenever you pick up any of the display units? It's true that the inside of a USB port usually does contain small gaps that this lock could grip. To pull it out, you'd have to rip the USB port to shreds, but you'd probably scrap the motherboad first. The external "case" locks that attatch to a gap in the case rip the laptop casing to shreds. THe point is to mangle the laptop to the point where the theif would not be able to pawn it.

[whitfit @ Jan 18th 2006 2:18PM]

The point of the Kensington lock is not to provide absolute security, but to deter thiefs from taking the low hanging fruit. At my law school, most of the time the library contains a number of unattended laptops. If a thief had to cut, or rip out a lock such as that to steal the computer, they'd probably move on to another. It is not for absolute theft protection, especially where a thief has time or privacy, or there are no other options of computers to steal. Virtually all locks are like this - I think house locks are virtually useless as theft detterants, yet people use them almost invariably. It is easier to break into the average house than rip off a computer in a library full of people that is secured with a Kensington lock, or probably this USB lock.

[Colored Bubbles @ Jan 18th 2006 3:16PM]

I agree with the above post. The deterrance is small, but it encourages the would-be cuplrit to think twice about taking a laptop with a security system, however weak.

Also, it would be clear to anyone else around that the laptop was not indeed his if he were breaking any type of lock.

[edthecat @ Jan 19th 2006 12:10AM]

Ummm...this solution to "locking" laptops is no more ridiculous than ANY other method. Show me any "lock," and I'll show you a hacksaw or a bolt cutter. This type of gear is meant to stop the most casual of thieves, not those that come with tools... Engadget streching for material, that's all.

[Larry @ Jan 20th 2006 12:06PM]

Dudes... you're (mostly all) missing the point of this lock!!

It's to keep people from attaching a USB device (thumbdrive or other) to the machine to prevent people from taking or adding content to the machine!!

It's not designed as a device to "secure" a laptop from theft.

Larry

[guest @ Feb 5th 2006 5:05AM]

"Dudes... you're (mostly all) missing the point of this lock!!

It's to keep people from attaching a USB device (thumbdrive or other) to the machine to prevent people from taking or adding content to the machine!!"

that's the point! under link is an experimental solution for linux OS...

[Denise @ Apr 10th 2008 8:08PM]

Alternativelly you might want to try USB Lock Standard.
Its Brothersoft security editors pick now, It also controls DVD CD, Blutooth, besides usb memory sticks mp3s and Ipods.
That version comes with USB Aware That keeps track of whats extracted. Its pretty cool.
It can also be downloaded from producers web page. http://www.advansysperu.com/usb_lock_standard.html