---
title: "Cable Lock — AP Cybersecurity Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A cable lock is a physical control that tethers a device to a fixed object to prevent theft, a core defense against the physical vulnerabilities in Unit 2."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/cable-lock"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Cybersecurity"
unit: "Unit 2"
---

# Cable Lock — AP Cybersecurity Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A cable lock is a physical security control that tethers a laptop or device to a fixed object (like a desk) to stop someone from grabbing and walking off with it, addressing the theft vulnerabilities covered in AP Cybersecurity Topic 2.2.

## What It Is

A **cable lock** is exactly what it sounds like: a steel cable that loops around something heavy and immovable (a desk leg, a table frame) and [locks](/ap-cybersecurity/unit-2/protecting-physical-spaces/study-guide/PhHFFwPlXGtEWL781jEc "fv-autolink") into a slot on a device. If a laptop is anchored by a cable lock, a thief can't just snatch it and walk out.

In [Topic 2.2](/ap-cybersecurity/unit-2/physical-vulnerabilities-and-attacks/study-guide/ZcvQYEyowkyIYrjESpUp "fv-autolink"), this falls under defending against **physical attacks**. EK 2.2.B.2 lists theft of digital or physical resources as a common compromise, and EK 2.2.C.1 reminds you that once an [adversary](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/adversary "fv-autolink") has physical access to a device, they can bypass a lot of your technical security. A cable lock is a cheap, low-tech control that directly blocks the easiest version of that attack, which is someone simply lifting an unattended laptop off a desk.

## Why It Matters

Cable locks live in **[Unit 2](/ap-cybersecurity/unit-2 "fv-autolink"): Securing Spaces**, specifically Topic 2.2 (Physical Vulnerabilities and Attacks). They support **[AP Cybersecurity](/ap-cybersecurity "fv-autolink") 2.2.B**, which asks you to explain how threats exploit physical vulnerabilities to cause loss, damage, or theft, and **AP Cybersecurity 2.2.C**, which asks you to assess and document the risk those vulnerabilities create. The big-picture theme is that strong passwords and encryption don't matter if someone can physically walk away with the hardware. A cable lock is the entry-level answer to that risk, and recognizing where it's missing is a skill the exam tests directly.

## Connections

### [Computer Lock (Unit 2)](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/computer-lock)

A [computer lock](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/computer-lock "fv-autolink") is the broad category and the cable lock is the most common version of it. If you can name 'cable lock' you've basically named the textbook example of physically securing a device against theft.

### Physical Access Bypassing Technical Controls (Unit 2)

EK 2.2.C.1 says physical access lets an adversary skip past technical defenses. The cable lock matters because it's a [physical control](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/physical-control "fv-autolink"), the right kind of fix for a physical problem, instead of trying to solve theft with software.

### [Physical Perimeter (Unit 2)](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/physical-perimeter)

[Fencing](/ap-cybersecurity/key-terms/fencing "fv-autolink"), bollards, and badge access protect the whole space; a cable lock protects one device inside it. Think of layered defense: the perimeter slows intruders down, and the cable lock catches the threat that still makes it to the desk.

## On the AP Exam

Expect cable locks in multiple-choice questions that describe a scene and ask you to spot the vulnerability. A released-style practice question describes laptops left on unattended desks with no cable locks and asks which term describes those devices, the answer being that they're a physical vulnerability open to theft. Your job is to connect the missing control to the risk: no cable lock plus an unattended device equals an easy theft target. On a risk-assessment prompt, you might recommend cable locks as the appropriate physical control to mitigate that specific weakness.

## cable lock vs computer lock

A 'computer lock' is the general term for any device that physically secures a computer; a 'cable lock' is the specific steel-cable type that tethers the device to a fixed object. Every cable lock is a computer lock, but the cable lock is the named, exam-friendly example.

## Key Takeaways

- A cable lock physically tethers a device to something immovable so it can't be picked up and stolen.
- It's a physical control for a physical vulnerability, which matters because EK 2.2.C.1 says physical access can defeat technical security.
- Unattended laptops with no cable lock are a textbook example of a theft vulnerability under EK 2.2.B.2.
- Cable locks belong to Unit 2 (Securing Spaces) and support learning objectives 2.2.B and 2.2.C.
- On the exam, you identify the missing cable lock as the vulnerability or recommend it as the mitigation.

## FAQs

### What is a cable lock in AP Cybersecurity?

It's a physical security control, a steel cable that locks a device to a fixed object like a desk so no one can grab it and leave. It's the standard fix for the device-theft vulnerability covered in Topic 2.2.

### Does a cable lock protect the data on a laptop?

No, not directly. A cable lock only prevents physical theft of the hardware; it does nothing to encrypt or protect the data itself, which is why physical and technical controls work together as layers.

### What's the difference between a cable lock and a computer lock?

A computer lock is the broad category for anything that physically secures a computer, while a cable lock is the specific cable-and-slot version. The cable lock is the example you'll most often see named on the exam.

### Is a cable lock on the AP Cybersecurity exam?

Yes. It shows up in Unit 2, Topic 2.2, usually in scenario questions where you spot that unattended devices lack cable locks and are therefore vulnerable to theft.

### Why does a low-tech cable lock matter against advanced threats?

Because EK 2.2.C.1 says physical access lets an adversary bypass many technical controls. Stealing a whole laptop is often the easiest attack, so the simple cable lock blocks a surprisingly high-impact threat.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.2 Physical Vulnerabilities and Attacks](/ap-cybersecurity/unit-2/physical-vulnerabilities-and-attacks/study-guide/ZcvQYEyowkyIYrjESpUp)

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