Combination Notebook Computer Lock Lets me Down

by Jay
(United States)

I used a combination lock used by a major manufacturer (just pointing this out so that you don't think I bought some $5 lock at a flea market). I though my laptop was pretty safe because the cord couldn't be cut without some serious tools. It would be pretty hard for someone to walk around campus with them and not be spotted right away. Well, I left mine locked and secured for 5 minutes to hit the restroom, and when I came back, my computer was gone...but the lock was still there.

I had to use the computer lab later, and was talking to the guy who worked there. He showed me a trick with combination locks that has proven to me that some of them are useless. If the laptop computer lock has a sequential combination that you can push the "unlock" button down on, you can keep pressure on it and spin the numbers from nearest to furthest. As each one trips the locking mechanism, the button can be depressed further and further until they are all tripped and the lock pops open.

I was floored that something that is supposed to secure my $1000 laptop could be fooled by a 5 year old who knows a simple trick.