Issue TOC Print full article Print this page Download as PDF E-Mail this URL Flame the author     In this article Introduction The Eighth Commandment Disk-Encryption Software Report Card: Disk Encryption Software Lockdown Devices Report Card: Lockdown Devices Recovery Services Report Card: Recovery Services Executive Summary File-Encryption Products

Products Reviewed: PC Guardian Notebook Guardian | Kensington Technology Group Sonic Lock Motion-Detecting Alarm | Kensington Technology Group Notebook ComboSaver | Targus Defcon 1 Ultra

Lockdown devices are designed to deter, not prevent, theft. These products fall into two main categories: traditional steel-cable kits and motion-activated siren alarms. We tested both types. PC Guardian's Notebook Guardian (both the standard and ultra models) and Kensington Technology Group's ComboSaver are steel-cable kits. Targus' Defcon 1 Ultra and Kensington's Sonic Lock are alarms. Most notebooks have a security slot on its side, known as the Kensington lock after the company that patented it, and all the products we tested lock to the laptop via this slot.

The cables are made out of multiple strands of thin, hardened steel, bundled and twisted together, and encased in a plastic coating. Even the heaviest kit weighs barely one pound, but remember, the more steel in the cable, the harder to cut through. There are several options for the locking mechanism, including combination, keyed lock and keyed lock with a master key. The locks come with two keys, and there are no override capabilities for a combination lock.

The motion-alarm devices are easier and quicker to disable, but they require more preparation work for the thief. Also, if the thief fails to act quickly enough, the alarm will attract more attention than a cut cable--these products emit a 100-dB siren when jostled. Of course, there is a strong possibility of false alarms, and we all know how people ignore car alarms. And the thief could place a hand over the speaker, greatly diminishing the volume. There is a 4- to 8-second delay between the time the device detects movement and the time it goes off, giving a legitimate user time to enter the combination. You need to replace the batteries every few months.