A computer lock is a physical
lock
Lock(s) may refer to:
Common meanings
*Lock and key, a mechanical device used to secure items of importance
*Lock (water navigation), a device for boats to transit between different levels of water, as in a canal
Arts and entertainment
* ''Lock ...
on a
computer with an accompanying key used for
access control
In the fields of physical security and information security, access control (AC) is the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource, while access management describes the process. The act of ''accessing'' may mean consuming ...
or as an
anti-theft system
Anti-theft systems protect valuables such as vehicles and personal property like wallets, phones, and jewelry. They are also used in retail settings to protect merchandise in the form of security tags and labels. Anti-theft systems include devices ...
.
History
In the 1980s and early 1990s,
IBM Personal Computer
The IBM Personal Computer (model 5150, commonly known as the IBM PC) is the first microcomputer released in the IBM PC model line and the basis for the IBM PC compatible de facto standard. Released on August 12, 1981, it was created by a tea ...
s and some
PC compatibles
IBM PC compatible computers are similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT, all from computer giant IBM, that are able to use the same software and expansion cards. Such computers were referred to as PC clones, IBM clones or IBM PC clones. ...
included a
tubular pin tumbler lock
A tubular pin tumbler lock, also known as a circle pin tumbler lock, radial lock, or the trademark Ace lock popularized by manufacturer Chicago Lock Company since 1933, is a variety of pin tumbler lock in which a number of pins are arranged in a ...
on the computer's casing, performing a security function that varied by manufacturer. In some instances, the lock would prevent the case from being opened to inhibit the theft or modification of internal components. In other cases, the lock was used to forbid unauthorized access to the computer by disabling the power supply, hard drive, or keyboard. Other early personal computer locks include
Maclocks
Maclocks are a line of computer security lock and display products that focuses on security for Apple products. The brand was first released in 1986 and is manufactured by Compulocks.
History
The Maclocks product line was introduced by Compulo ...
, introduced by Compulocks in 1986.
Built-in computer locks for
access control
In the fields of physical security and information security, access control (AC) is the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource, while access management describes the process. The act of ''accessing'' may mean consuming ...
were phased out by computer manufacturers in the 1990s as operating systems and other software incorporated user profiles with passwords, but computer locks to prevent theft are still in use, more commonly in the form of
Kensington lock
A Kensington Security Slot (also called a K-Slot or Kensington lock) is part of an anti-theft system designed in the mid 1980s and patented by Kryptonite in 1999–2000,''Security anchor/tether assemblage for portable articles'': and (Corneliu ...
s that attach cables to laptops and small desktops in an effort to prevent them from being taken.
See also
*
Physical security
Physical security describes security measures that are designed to deny unauthorized access to facilities, equipment and resources and to protect personnel and property from damage or harm (such as espionage, theft, or terrorist attacks). Physica ...
*
Computer access control
In computer security, general access control includes identification, authorization, authentication, access approval, and audit. A more narrow definition of access control would cover only access approval, whereby the system makes a decision to gra ...
*
Data security
Data security means protecting digital data, such as those in a database, from destructive forces and from the unwanted actions of unauthorized users, such as a cyberattack or a data breach.
Technologies
Disk encryption
Disk encryption re ...
References
Computer lock A computer lock is a physical lock on a computer with an accompanying key used for access control or as an anti-theft system.
History
In the 1980s and early 1990s, IBM Personal Computers and some PC compatibles included a tubular pin tumbler lo ...
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