Physical security of the iMac

[AppleFan360]

I have one of the new iMacs and have been thinking about physically securing it to the desk.

What would be the best way? Couldn't I use just a regular bike chain lock and run it through the hole on the iMac's stand and then to the desk?

How does the security slot work? I was thinking about locking down my Time Capsule as well.

Thanks.

 

[jddar]

I think homeowners or renters insurance would be your best option. I wouldn't want some ugly security device marring such a beautiful machine.

 

[ViViDboarder]

There's a laptop lock connector on the back of the imac. Right about where the hole in the stand is. You can buy a laptop lock and lock it to your desk. If there is nothing secure to wrap the lock around you may have to bolt a loop to the desk as well.

Keep in mind, any lock is only going to be a deterant. Bolt cutters easly cut through. Best idea is to keep the room secured but locking it to the desk can't hurt.

Hope you have a chance to read this!

 

[MacHamster68]

ViViDboarder is right the only way to secure it that does not look like a scrapyard afterwards is these laptop locks , they are called kensington locks

and you can buy these things here ,with anchor points and you can get the lock points which can be glued on to everything to fit the lock too the glue is stong (you cant rip it of without destroying the case ), other thing is if you fit one ,your content insurance could drop as some insurance companys aknowlege it as a security device
http://uk.insight.com/apps/brands/mfg.php?mfgcode=KEN&page=brands-kensington-secure-it

i`m sure they have a website in your country too

 

[sparkz]

Chris,
I realise that you are in the States but have a look at this bracket.

http://www.top-tec.co.uk/downloads/iMacSecurityShoe_1.pdf

The company is in the UK, the hanging bracket helps secure the slots where you would normally add extra memory, so this would stop people nicking or the memory or to bypass the firmware password.

I am sure that if you get in touch with them they may deal with the US. Atleast it might give you a few ideas if you know anyone who is good at metal work.

I use these a lot and have never lost an iMac.

I hope this helps.

 

[iWoz]

I have one of the new iMacs and have been thinking about physically securing it to the desk.

What would be the best way? Couldn't I use just a regular bike chain lock and run it through the hole on the iMac's stand and then to the desk?

How does the security slot work? I was thinking about locking down my Time Capsule as well.

Thanks.

Home Insurance/Contents Insurance, Easiest and prettiest option!!

 

[belvdr]

OP, the Kensington lock is the way to go, but know that anyone with a pair of bolt cutters will easily bypass that.

 

[AppleFan360]

Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate the comments.

I think I have seen those locks at my local Best Buy so will check them out.

I have insurance, an alarm system and security cameras but I want one extra step to slow them down. Most of the theives in our area don't carry bolt cutters so it couldn't hurt making it hard for them. Even if they do get my iMac, they have to get past the firmware password.

Even having the alarm and insurance, it really doesn't slow them down. At least this way, my poor iMac has a fighting chance.

 

[ViViDboarder]

Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate the comments.

I think I have seen those locks at my local Best Buy so will check them out.

I have insurance, an alarm system and security cameras but I want one extra step to slow them down. Most of the theives in our area don't carry bolt cutters so it couldn't hurt making it hard for them. Even if they do get my iMac, they have to get past the firmware password.

Even having the alarm and insurance, it really doesn't slow them down. At least this way, my poor iMac has a fighting chance.

Have you seen Orbicule's Undercover? http://www.orbicule.com/undercover/mac/

I have it for my MacBook Pro. If you report your computer stolen they will find the IP, report it to Police, take pictures with the camera, take screenshots and record everything the theif does on it.

For it to really be effective though you gotta turn off your FW password and then enable the Guest Account. That way whoever steals it will be able to get up and running to the point that they will be transmitting pictures and all kinds of info to the police It's clever since most people after stealing a computer will first try to find account info and stuff like that rather than just reformatting.

 

[Techhie]

Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate the comments.

I think I have seen those locks at my local Best Buy so will check them out.

I have insurance, an alarm system and security cameras but I want one extra step to slow them down. Most of the theives in our area don't carry bolt cutters so it couldn't hurt making it hard for them. Even if they do get my iMac, they have to get past the firmware password.

Even having the alarm and insurance, it really doesn't slow them down. At least this way, my poor iMac has a fighting chance.

Those flimsy security slots aren't going to give the iMac any more of a "fighting chance" than just leaving it bare would. Buy an industrial metal fiber lock (similar to a consumer "bike lock") and thread it through the back of the metal stand where there is the hole for the power cable. Just make sure to have something actually bolted down before you waste your time.

 

[MacHamster68]

found something a vesa mount adaptor be a safe solution as thiefs might have bold cutters but not many have tools to unscrew this one here especially if you would use safety screws ,so you could bold it like here on a arm to the desk or direct with a standast vesa mount found for tv`s direct to the wall so their only option would be to steal your iMac including the complete desk or they have to take the complete wall with them which might be of a real challenge

the vesa mount for non standart vesa mount iMacs you get there
http://www.imacmount.com/imac-vesa-adapter.html


but you have to use security screws like these so they would need a angle grinder


http://www.securityfasteners.net/ClutchHead.htm

i think as it then is mounted to the wall its quiet safe , ok nothing is realy safe but it might put people of taking it as if it takes then time to get it of ,there is a chance to get cought so they might leave it alone