How to Protect Your Laptop From Theft at College

May 15, 2025

Your laptop is your life at college. It’s where you take notes, write essays, join lectures, stream shows, scroll endlessly… and panic when it goes missing.

You’ll carry it everywhere: to libraries, coffee shops, dorms, lectures, even bars. But the more places you take it, the more opportunities there are for it to be stolen. In fact, laptop theft is one of the most common crimes on U.S. college campuses - with thousands of incidents reported each year across universities nationwide (source: CollegeStats.org).

So whether you’re heading to campus for the first time or returning for another year, keeping your laptop safe should be on your checklist. We're sure you want to avoid making that dreaded phone call to your parents telling them it's been stolen. Here’s how to make sure your most important piece of kit stays yours.

1. Anchor Adapter for Laptop Security Lock

The Anchor Adapter is a small device that adds a lock slot to your laptop. The Anchor fits into the audio / 3mm headphone port in your laptop and with the turn of a screw is secured. You can then attach a Kensington style lock into the lock slot and use just as if your laptop had a security slot! The lock will cover up access to the screw so the Anchor cannot be removed by a thief. If you already have a standard T-bar Kensington lock this will be a perfect accessory to keep your laptop safe.

The Anchor is small enough to fit in laptop sleeves so there's no need to uninstall after every use. However if you want to remove the Anchor simply turn the screw to remove.

Buy the Anchor Adapter

2. Universal Laptop Security Lock

If you don't already have laptop lock cable then this is the solution for you. The Universal solution includes the Anchor adaptor plus a 4-digit combination laptop cable lock. They are designed to work together perfectly. Once the Anchor Adapter is installed in the audio / 3mm headphone port, the laptop cable lock can then be anchored around a fixed point like a desk leg and connected to the Anchor. The cable lock will cover the screw so the Anchor can't be removed by a thief.

The 4 digit combination number can be set to a memorable number, and being keyless means there's no worry of losing keys!

Buy the Universal Laptop Security Lock

3. AlarmID - Portable Security Alarm

For those looking for a versatile solution that not only works with modern laptops but other valuable possessions, look no further! The AlarmID is a theft deterrent, with a 100db alarm that will stop any thief in their tracks. Plug the AlarmID into your laptop's USB-C port and activate using the biometric fingerprint sensor. If someone tries to remove or cut the cable, the alarm will instantly sound alerting anyone around. When you're ready to remove the AlarmID, simply deactivate using your fingerprint and remove.

The AlarmID can be used to secure any device with a USB-C port, so tablets, notebooks and even phones. And it doesn't stop there - the AlarmID has been designed with it's own USB-C port so can be used with luggage, prams amongst other possessions!

The AlarmID can also be used to product your bags and luggage, so when you're travelling to college or catching up with friends over a coffee you know your valuable things will be safe and secure.