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Hey everyone,

We currently have 7 computer labs with atleast 20 pc's in each. We have to lock the equipment so that it's not taken and our currently solution is to catch all the cables in a padlock and lock them.

While this works and stops people from being able to take stuff, for us, we have a huge bunch of keys and have to go through each - one at a time - when trying to find the right key to open the lock. (We bunch the keys by lab so we don't have 140 keys on one lock :-) )

Does anyone have a suggestions for alternatives that we could use instead?

Thanks
Ali

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A quick, practical summary for : chaining every cable into individual padlocks works but creates key bloat and slows maintenance. The goal should be the smallest set of controls that (1) prevents casual theft, (2) keeps routine servicing fast, and (3) fits the budget. The following options are field‑tested in labs and cybercafes and trade one or more of those tradeoffs differently.

  • Keyed‑alike cable locks or a master‑key system: buys the same physical security while reducing the number of daily keys to one per lab (or one master for admins).
  • Combination cable locks: remove keys entirely but require combo management and can be resettable.
  • Port blockers (RJ45 / USB / VGA): inexpensive, low‑profile, stop cable removal without securing the whole PC. Good where full enclosure isn’t wanted.
  • Under‑desk CPU anchors / locking plates and lockable enclosures: physically secure the entire unit; higher installation cost but strong protection.
  • Locking cable trays / power‑strip boxes: centralise connections and make bulk removal difficult.
  • Tamper‑evident seals: very cheap, don’t stop determined thieves but provide instant evidence of tampering.

Combine layers for best results. As noted, building access control and CCTV are strong deterrents and useful for incident response; pair those with a device‑level solution to cover both prevention and identification. When choosing enclosures or trays, check airflow and service access to avoid overheating or frustrating technicians. For frequently serviced machines favour keyed‑alike or combo solutions; for seldom‑touched workstations favour anchors or lockboxes.

A simple rollout: inventory case types and ports; pilot one method on 4–6 stations in a single lab; evaluate service time and thermal effects; then standardise (order keyed‑alike sets or a small stock of port‑blockers) and publish a labelled key/log and one secured spare. This balances security, cost, and day‑to‑day manageability.

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Member Avatar for happygeek

Desktop PCs or laptops?

Member Avatar for ali-d

Cables for Desktop PCs, VGA, Ethernet, Mouse & Keyboard

Edited by ali-d
Member Avatar for happygeek

Would it not be easier, and probably cheaper (in wasted time saved and cost of cabling/locks etc) to install a decent security system for the building/labs instead? Make it as hard as possible for anyone to get in and out, coupled with a decent digital CCTV system to help identify anyone that did and insurance to cover any losses?

Member Avatar for happygeek

Alternatively, you could try searching Google for 'secure computer lockdown plates' and 'secure server enclosures' which might throw up some new and easier to manage ideas...

Edited by happygeek
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