Kensington Security Slot

A security cable attached to a Kensington Security Slot on the side of a laptop computer

A Kensington Security Slot (also called a K-Slot or Kensington lock) is part of an anti-theft system designed by Kensington Computer Products Group. It is a small, metal-reinforced hole found commonly on small or portable computers and electronics equipment such as laptops, computer monitors, desktop computers, gaming consoles, and video projectors. It is used for attaching a lock-and-cable apparatus, in particular those from Kensington.

Locks are generally secured in place with a key or combination lock attached to a rubberized metal cable. The end of the cable has a small loop that allows the cable to be looped around a permanent object, such as a heavy table or other similar equipment, thus securing it in place.^{[citation needed]}

Uses

Kensington locks can be used in a variety of settings, generally as a deterrent to prevent opportunist theft. Individuals might use them in public places such as busy offices, coffee shops, hotel meeting rooms, and libraries. They are especially prevalent in college life, most notably in dorm housing. Companies may use them to secure expensive equipment that must be left in public places, such as computer displays in a retail store, or video projectors used in a hotel conference room.

Security

Kensington locks are not designed to be an impervious protection measure.^[1] Because most computer equipment cases are generally made of plastic or thin metal, the lock can be torn out, though not without doing significant visual damage to the case. The cable itself can be cut if an individual has a wire cutter sufficiently strong to cut through the cable material, which will vary between different brands of cable.

There are versions of the lock that use a numeric combination (like a padlock) instead of a key. There are other versions that use a traditional flat key, which is understood to be more difficult to pick.^[1]

Alternatives

Several manufacturers offer similar locking mechanisms that do not require a special lock hole.^[2] They attach to a popular port, such as the VGA or printer port and have special screws to secure locks in place. Others are completely electronic, and emit an alarm if they are removed from the slot.^{[citation needed]}

History

Kensington Computer Products Group

Type	Division
Genre	Computer accessories
Founded	1981
Headquarters	Redwood Shores, California, United States
Parent	ACCO Brands Corporation
Website	http://www.kensington.com/

Kensington Computer Products Group, a division brand of ACCO Brands, Inc. (located in Redwood Shores, California), was founded in 1981 with the invention of the System Saver, a combined cooling fan and surge protector designed for use with the Apple II home computer. They are most notable for the Kensington Lock.

See also

• Computer security
• Laptop theft
• Physical security
• Twistlock

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kensington lock.

• Kensington main site
• Kensington notebook security products site
• Hardware Specifications from Kensington Technology Group