Linux Security HOWTO : Physical Security : Computer locks
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3.1. Computer locks

Many modern PC cases include a "locking" feature. Usually this will be a socket on the front of the case that allows you to turn an included key to a locked or unlocked position. Case locks can help prevent someone from stealing your PC, or opening up the case and directly manipulating/stealing your hardware. They can also sometimes prevent someone from rebooting your computer on their own floppy or other hardware.

These case locks do different things according to the support in the motherboard and how the case is constructed. On many PC's they make it so you have to break the case to get the case open. On some others, they make it so that it will not let you plug in new keyboards and mice. Check your motherboard or case instructions for more information. This can sometimes be a very useful feature, even though the locks are usually very low quality and can easily be defeated by attackers with locksmithing.

Some cases (most notably SPARCs and macs) have a dongle on the back that, if you put a cable through attackers would have to cut the cable or break the case to get into it. Just putting a padlock or combo lock through these can be a good deterrent to someone stealing your machine.


Linux Security HOWTO : Physical Security : Computer locks
Previous: Physical Security
Next: BIOS Security