Security cable locks are cable locks that can secure laptops, desktop computers, weapons, audio equipment, sporting equipment and much more. A vinyl coated steel cable is wound through or around the object being protected, and secured with a combination lock affixed to the end of the lock, or with a separate combination or keyed padlock.

Laptop Security Locks

Laptop security locks are locks specifically created for laptops, usually installed by sliding one end into a Kensington security slot on the laptop, and wrapping the other end of the lock around a secure post or piece of furniture in the room. Laptop Security Locks can also be used by threading the cable through the gap between the main body of the laptop and the monitor.

Universal Cable Locks

Universal cable locks also consist of a braided steel cable with an attached combination lock at the end. They differ from Laptop Security Locks in that they do not have a Kensington-compatible connector for laptops, but are more general in application, for protecting anything that the cable can be threaded through or around.

Light Duty Cable Locks

Light duty cable locks are like Universal Cable Locks, but in addition to sometimes having a combination lock affixed to one end, are sometimes secured by a separate padlock. In addition to being used to secure the device by threading through it or around it, these locks are sometimes attached directly to the object at one end, and security with a padlock to a secure area at the other end.

Standard Cable Locks

Standard cable locks are virtually the same as Light Duty Cable Locks – they usually consist of a vinyl coated steel cable with either a combination lock or a padlock at the end.

Shortcomings of all Security Cable Locks

These various steel cable locks are commonly used for securing valuable gear but they have three major shortcomings:

• They can be cut without alerting the owner or security staff.
• They can be cut easily and quickly with a $10 cutting tool.
• They do not work well aesthetically with many professional environments.
• They can require an abundance of cables and keys when used to secure more than just a few items.

Alternatives to Security Cable Locks

Alternatives to steel cable locks are security devices such as the LightGard Fiber Optic System which:

• Will alert the owner or authorities if the theft is in progress.
• Can secure 20 or 30 items on a single fiber optic loop and inexpensive attachment devices without the need for multiple cables, multiple keys or expensive locks.
• Can also protect accessories such as AC power strips, wired computer mice, data cables and just about any other valuable item.
• Are aesthetically pleasing, as opposed to visually obtrusive locks and steel cables.

Minatronics Fiber Optic Security System

For these very reasons, the Minatronics Fiber Optic Security System is the best alternative to steel cable locks, because if the Fiber Optic Cable is cut, a signal is immediately sent by the alarm system, immediately alerting the owner or security personnel of the exact location where a theft is underway.

By contrast, steel cable locks silently give up their goods to the thief, often in mere seconds.

In the image at right, just a few of the possible applications for fiber optic security are shown. In brief, the system works like this:

• The fiber optic cable is threaded through or around the item you wish to secure.
• The ends of the cable are attached to the Minatronics Security System unit.
• The Minatronics unit sends a pulsed beam of light through the cable several times every second. If the signal is ever interrupted, the unit sends an alarm signal by the alarm system. Any general-purpose alarm system can be used to add a 24 hour protection zone.
• The Fiber Optic Loop can protect equipment from theft even as it is being used.
• Other alarm systems that are used to protect equipment must have the room empty of people whereas the LightGard System is designed to protect equipment from theft even if the room is full of people.
• The LightGard System lets a thief know that the opportunity for a successful theft is greatly reduced.

When there is a theft attempt, the owner, campus security, the police, or the designated authorities are alerted immediately.

Click to see more about how the Minatronics Fiber Optic Security System works, and learn of different security applications for the Minatronics system.