Competitor Product Reviews: Appendix B
Comparison of Locking Cables and Anti-Theft Powercord
By Glenn Chapman March 5, 2006
Steel locking cables are a common antitheft device manufactured by many companies.
Examples:
- Flexguard Security Systems: http://www.flexguard.com/
- Targus DEFCON cables: http://www.targus.com/us/accessories_security.asp
- Computer Security Products Inc: http://www.computersecurity.com/
All consist of a flexible steel cable with a lock at the end. For many pieces of equipment, steel cables
also require gluing a locking attachment to the equipment. These steel locking cables are the
lowest cost form of security and provide very little protection compared to the anti-theft powercord.
- Installation and Location
- Susceptibility to Defeat by Thieves
- Costs
- False Alarms and the Ability to Move to New Location
- Protection provided by Anti-Theft Powercord and not by Steel Locking Cable
| Installation and Location |
| Steel Locking Cable |
- Requires installation of the cable: only as secure as the item it is locked to (e.g. desk leg).
- Only provides physical locking no alarms produced if stolen.
- Takes time for glue to set on attachment, and violates equipment warrantees by installation.
- Cables can interfere with other items on desk/table and are unsightly on other equipment (e.g. TV’s).
|
| Anti-theft Powercord |
- Protection is provided in the equipment, often built into equipment.
- Alarm is with the equipment, hence operates at any location item is moved to.
- Audio alarm at new location where stolen equipment is moved.
|
| Susceptibility to Defeat by Thieves |
| Steel Locking Cables |
- Only prevents casual theft: any prepared thief can easily defect with simple equipment.
- Very easy to cut in less than a minute: simple bolt cutter can break most cables, locks or locking attachments.
- Cables were abandoned 20 years ago on bicycles because they are so easy to defeat.
- No alarm, no warning if taken.
- Stolen equipment operates perfectly well after theft.
|
| Anti-theft Powercord |
- Alarm activates when equipment is removed, even when power failure occurs.
- Equipment will not operate if stolen.
|
| Costs |
| Steel Locking Cables |
- Lowest quality cables very cheap ($US6) but almost no protection.
- Higher quality (stronger cables & locks) $US30-$100 but only modes improvement in protection.
- Little indication cables have stopped thefts when they break in.
|
| Anti-theft Powercord |
- Cost is the same for each piece of equipment.
|
| False Alarms and the Ability to Move to New Location |
| Steel Locking Cables |
- No alarm protection ability.
- To move equipment requires unlocking, but must keep key where it is handy but not easy for thief to find.
- May require new locking attachment at new location with additional installation time.
|
| Anti-theft Powercord |
- Ability to deactivate with password codes, move, then reactivate.
|
| Protection provided by Anti-theft powercord and not by Steel Locking Cables |
| Anti-theft Powercord |
- Alarm sound moves with equipment due to internal batteries
- Equipment operation can be prevented in alarm state
- Equipment can have password protection during shipping
- When built into equipment no hardware installation by user
|