Lab Services laptops and classroom computers have in the past used locks to thwart physical theft. A problem arises when security slots change or are removed by computer manufactures.
Lab Services laptops
Oct 2015
New Dell laptops, Latitude E5440 (bought 7/24/2014; deployed winter 2014/2015) have a security slot that differed from prior slots such that the old security clips (scissor-type) did not fit in as neatly. Status, as of Oct 2015:
- Bob and Oliver confirmed that all three types of scissor clips currently work with the slot of these newest laptops, if the correct technique is used.
- One report case in which one clip (of the "long" type) came out unexpectedly. But we could not reproduce the problem.
Decision:
- Nothing to be done now since all seems to be working OK.
- When buying new laptops for the program, test physical security on the new models before committing to full purchase
Resources
The specification the the nominal standard, as understood by Oliver:
Rather than use the current set of (cheap) scissor-type clips, we may need to consider more expensive and/ or less convenient options if this trend continues:
- Replace one of the computer's screw (if available in an appropriate location!) with a security attachment:
- Glue a security attachment to the computer.
- Either on the lid, bottom, or side. May affect stacking of the laptops, but not necessarily depending on options available. The right glue and its application is critical to its success.
- Different mechanisms to use the ever-changing sizes of the security slot:
- Are these backward compatible for use in our older laptops?
- The ClickSafe Keyed Laptop Lock from Kensington ($44.99, 10/2015. Keyed-alike options?))
- Dell Premium Keyed Lock ($39.99, 10/2015. Keyed-alike options?)
- Dell Combination Lock, with user-determined combination ($29.99, 10/2015)
- Noble Security TZ08 WEDGE PROFILE SECURITY LOCK (~$40, 10/2015)
Classroom desktop computers
Sept. 2015
New Apple Mac mini's do not come with a security lock. (True as of 2011 Mac mini model?) Two options found:
- Encase the computer. Examples:
- Glue a security attachment to the computer.
- Replace one of the computer's screw (if available in an appropriate location! On a Mac mini?!) with a security attachment:
Resources
- https://kb.ucla.edu/articles/physical-lockdown-for-a-mac-mini-2011
- https://bitcartel.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/an-obvious-problem-with-todays-apple-hardware/