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These days we invest a lot in protecting our digital data. Whether it’s leading the crusade for stronger passwords, installing encryption software for your most valuable files, or locking things down with highly protected cloud servers, everyone tends to focus on the content of their laptops.
Question: Q: MacBook Pro shows a padlock on startup On startup my mc shows a padlock asking for a password which I don't think I ever set up. Any way to bypass this or is there's universal password. A Kensington Lock is ideal to secure your Mac wherever you are. You should certainly use it in hotel rooms and, for complete peace of mind, when stowing your MacBook in the boot of your car. Owners of iMacs may not be aware that it is possible to use a Kensington Lock to secure your iMac, too. I use one on my 27” iMac in the office.
However, according to the FBI, a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds — and that’s the whole machine, not just a hack into your files or temporary breach.
You can always lock down your physical MacBook Pro or MacBook Air inside a backpack or case, but what about when you need to use it? This is when a laptop lock comes in handy.
These devices attach to your MacBook and include a cable that then wraps around a nearby unmovable object such as desk leg. They come in combination and key models and can be adapted to almost every situation.
In this article, we’ll show you some of our top picks for laptop locks, and help you secure your own MacBook.
Quick Summary
- Don’t have a built-in lock slot but want to keep your Mac in pristine condition? The Kensington MacBook Locking Station lets you secure the MacBook in a removable dock that connects with a cable to any sturdy object.
- If you do have a lock slot on your older Mac, get this basic Kensington Combination Cable Lock if you don’t mind memorizing four numbers.
- You can also get the WordLock Combination Portable Cable Lock if you know you’ll forget a sequence immediately and would prefer a few letters. Both are reliable locks that are lightweight and simple to use.
- A lack of lock slot isn’t a necessary problem, especially when the FOLAI Combination Lock with Adhesive Security Plate allows you to essentially attach your own. The adapter adheres to the body of your laptop and allows you to fit a Kensington style lock onto the computer at any time.
Do I Need a Lock for My MacBook?
Do you frequently work in public, such as at a coffee shop or library? Maybe you don’t feel comfortable leaving your Mac out on your desk at work or utilize a shared workspace.
A laptop lock is a great solution for these situations because it deters any grab-and-run burglaries, and keeps your computer secure if you have to leave the area for a short time (for example, a lunch or restroom run).
A laptop lock is less necessary if you tend to use your Mac in the security of your home. In this case, it’s fairly secure and should be protected unless the circumstances are extreme.
You should also consider whether or not your MacBook has a lock slot. While older models can usually find it right next to the optical drive (CD drive), the newer models and any Retina or Air models do not include this feature.
That means you’ll need to first buy a secondary device that creates a place for the lock to attach, or utilize a lock that attaches with an anchor plate rather than a traditional locking knob.
Buying a Cable Lock for Mac: What to Consider in 2020?
Attachment Method
Since not all MacBooks support the same methods of security, you’ll need to pay careful attention to your method of attachment. Pre-2014 models should have the standard Kensington lock slot, but anything else will need to look into docks or other attachable that allow a MacBook Air or Pro to be safely locked. Always make sure to check that your model is supported and whether or not it has a built-in lock slot before making a purchase.
Cable Strength
It wouldn’t do to buy a laptop lock only to have the cable easily cut by a malicious thief. A cable should be cut-resistant and made of thick metal wire with an exterior coating. The overall diameter of the cord has some bearing on its success but should be taken with a grain of salt since it must be balanced with portability and mass.
Ease of Use
Can’t remember combinations to save your life? Luckily locks come in multiple styles such as key, combo, and word combo. If numbers aren’t your style then you don’t need to settle — go for a lock and key or more memorable word password instead. A laptop lock should be easy and painless to use for you, and incredibly difficult for a burglar — not the opposite!
![How can i lock my macbook pro max How can i lock my macbook pro max](https://www.imore.com/sites/imore.com/files/styles/xlarge/public/field/image/2016/06/macbook-pro-clear-hero.jpg?itok=sB3m3imo)
The Best Laptop Lock for MacBook in 2020: Our Picks
1. Kensington MacBook Laptop Locking Station
Securing your laptop is possible even without a lock slot. The Locking Station functions like a normal dock, but instead of adding ports it snaps around the edge of your MacBook and adds security. Once attached, you can lock the dock (and by extension, your Mac) to any sturdy object in the vicinity.
- Pros: Noninvasive design does not harm your laptop such as an adhesive might while still keeping your laptop in your hands. Includes a 6ft locking cable in addition to the dock so you have plenty of attachments options but can be used with any Kensington model lock you have on hand.
- Cons: Can’t close the laptop lid while the dock is in use. The dock is heavy and not meant to be portable.
2. Kensington Combination Cable Lock for Laptops and Other Devices
This Kensington Cable lock is the most classic and simple laptop lock available. You’ll need a lock slot and a numbers-friendly memory, but with both of those, your MacBook will be secure from any who wish to do harm. The cable length is approximately 1.5 meters.
- Pros: Simple and easy to use with a 4-digit combo that gives you 10,000 possible options when securing your Mac. The cable is made of sturdy braided steel covered with a protective casing for extra cut resistance.
- Cons: Only works with a lock slot.
3. Kensington WordLock Combination Portable Cable Lock
Prefer words over numbers? Almost identical to the aforementioned Kensington Combination Lock, the WordLock’s only difference is that it uses a combination of letters rather than numbers to lock and unlock your MacBook. On all other fronts, it maintains the same level of security and ease of use.
- Pros: Letter combinations can be easier to remember than numbers while giving you the same amount of possibilities. Sturdy cable is made of braided steel with casing to prevent cuts, and the lock is available in red and black.
- Cons: Only works with a lock slot.
4. FOLAI Laptop Combination Lock with Adhesive Security Plate
If you’re using a Mac without a lock slot, you’re going to need an external solution. With this FOLAI lock kit, you adhere the small included part to the back of the lid, and suddenly you have a Kensington lock slot to use the included cable with.
- Pros: Works with any Mac, even if it doesn’t come with a lock slot. Attaches securely and the combination lock is sturdy enough to resist thieves.
- Cons: Requires you to adhere a part directly to your Mac, which could be damaged if you try and remove it later.
Additional Tips
The Kensington slot is what you’ll find on any Mac that has a lock slot, but it can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never used it before. This helpful video will show you how to use a standard Kensington lock like some of those we have recommended and have you well on your way to a secure MacBook (although the video uses a PC, the port is identical):
Got everything locked in? It’s time to protect the contents of your Mac as well. You can use anti-theft software in addition to a lock in order to have a better chance of retrieving your MacBook if it is stolen. You can read more about the various methods of doing so in this Macworld article: Don’t get Apple picked: How to protect your Mac from theft in public places.
Final Words
A laptop lock is a great investment for those who work anywhere and everywhere. Since even the extended Applecare warranty doesn’t cover theft and even Find My Mac can fail, it’s best to be preventative rather than reactionary.
Has your MacBook (Pro & Air) ever been stolen or almost taken from you? Tell us what you’ve done to keep your laptop in your own possession rather than that of thieves.
I do not want my friends or family to access my files on my MacBook. How can I lock my files?
Almost every one of us will have such confidential files on our MacBook Pro that we don’t want to share with others. It could be your personal pictures, excel sheets containing sensitive data, official documents or any such confidential files. So, how do you keep snooping eyes away from those files? Locking your MacBook Pro with a password might help. But what if you use a shared or a Family MacBook Pro? Anyone with the password of the account would access your files easily. Apple macbook pro keyboard layout. The only solution for this is to lock the files on your MacBook Pro.
How to lock files on MacBook Pro?
Fortunately, Apple has provided a default method to password protect certain files and folders. Here’s how it’s done:
- Create your folder full of documents and launch Disk Utility
- Now, go to File -> New -> New Disk Image from Folder
- Then a Select Folder to image window will appear, now, select which folder you would like to protect and choose a folder you created earlier to keep the protected files
- Select the “AES-128″ encryption option (or 256-bit for extra security but takes longer time to encrypt), and press Save
- Enter your desired new password twice
Note: Provide the password that is strong enough and at the same time, make sure you remember the password.
Click OK and then the Disk Utility will create the encrypted image. With this you will now have both the encrypted image and the unprotected folder on your MacBook Pro. Keeping the original unprotected folder on your MacBook would not be a great idea. As it is accessible to anyone who uses your MacBook Pro when it’s logged into your account, so just trash it or store it in a safer place.
How Can I Lock My Macbook Pro 15
Now, your files are completely secured. However, it works well and is a good option only when you are not adding more files to this folder. This is because this folder won’t expand to accommodate the new files as and when they are added. If you need an encrypted container that can accommodate more files, then you will have to consider creating an encrypted sparse image. This would require technical proficiency and is a troublesome process that has to be repeated every time you add files to the encrypted file on your MacBook Pro.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry much as you have an alternate solution for locking the files. Remo MORE is an excellent solution that enables you to lock your files on MacBook Pro with just few simple easy steps. The software enables you to lock your files with a password on MacBook Pro intensely. Even the owner will be prohibited from accessing the files when fails to provide correct password. Thus, restrict the access to even the unauthorized users. Its GUI is attractive and is self-explanatory; thus even the novice users can utilize the tool to lock files on MacBook Pro.
Remo MORE is an easy-to-use that offers easy and simple procedure to lock your files on MacBook Pro. Even after locking your files you can easily add new files to the encrypted folder. In addition, you can also remove any files easily from the folder when not needed. With one just simple click you can effortlessly add or remove any number of files to the encrypted folder on your MacBook Pro. It is compatible on MacBook Pros installed with any Mac OS X version like Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mavericks and many more.
Steps involved in locking the files on MacBook Pro
Laptop Locks For Macbook Pro
- Download the Remo MORE software and install it on your MacBook Pro
- Once you run the tool, from the main screen just select “Manage” option and then hit on “File Manager” as shown in
- Then in the consecutive screen choose “File Protector” option as in
- From the consecutive window just hit on “File / Folder Locker” option as in and then provide the Master password to lock the files as shown in
- Then just browse and locate all the files that you want to lock by clicking on “Add Files” option as illustrates in . Now just select the files and hit on “Lock” option this will lock all your files