TARGUS Defcon CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock

Circa Early 2000's

A security product designed to act as a theft deterrent for laptops, notebooks, desktops, and other devices equipped with a security lock slot.

Use Case:

Used to physically secure a laptop in public or shared spaces such as offices, school dorms, hotel rooms, or libraries. The 6.5-foot (2-meter) vinyl-coated, cut-resistant galvanized steel cable loops around any secure, stationary object (like a desk or chair leg) and the lock head attaches to the standard Kensington T-bar lock slot on the computer.

• Keyless Solution: A user-settable four-digit combination lock offers up to 10,000 possible codes, eliminating the need to carry keys.

• Alternative Anchor: The included security base plate (PA400P) and adhesive/screws allow the user to create a secure anchor point on a surface if a suitable object is not available.

Historical Significance:

Historically significant as one of the first widely available and popular keyless combination security products for portable computers. Before cable locks were standard, laptop security was a significant concern in public spaces. This product made securing valuable hardware and data accessible and convenient for the average consumer and business traveler. It was a key product in the development of the laptop accessory market, though some users later discovered methods to "pick" or decode the combination, highlighting that these locks are primarily deterrents against casual theft rather than impenetrable security solutions.