A computer lock is a physical security control (like a cable lock or a chassis lock) that physically secures a device or its internal components to a fixed object, reducing the risk of theft, tampering, or unauthorized physical access.
A computer lock is a physical control that protects a device from being stolen, opened, or physically tampered with. Think of it as the cybersecurity version of locking your bike to a rack. A cable lock loops a hardened cable through a slot on a laptop and anchors it to a desk, while a chassis or case lock keeps someone from popping open a tower and yanking out a hard drive.
In the CED, this fits under physical vulnerabilities (Topic 2.2). The whole point is to stop an adversary from getting physical access to a device, because once someone can touch your hardware, a lot of your software defenses stop mattering. A locked-down machine is harder to walk off with, harder to open up, and harder to plug malicious hardware into.
Computer locks live in Unit 2: Securing Spaces, specifically Topic 2.2 on physical vulnerabilities and attacks. They directly support AP Cybersecurity 2.2.C, which asks you to assess and document risks from physical vulnerabilities. EK 2.2.C.1 makes the stakes clear: physical access to a device lets an adversary bypass many technical controls and layers of security. A computer lock is one of the cheapest, most direct answers to that problem. It also connects to 2.2.B, since theft or destruction of physical resources is one of the named compromises a vulnerability can cause.
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Visual cheatsheet
view galleryCable Lock (Unit 2)
A cable lock is the most common type of computer lock. It anchors a laptop to a heavy object so an adversary can't just grab it and leave, which is exactly the theft risk EK 2.2.B.2 warns about.
Physical Access Bypassing Technical Controls (Unit 2)
EK 2.2.C.1 says physical access lets an attacker skip past technical defenses. A computer lock raises the cost of getting that physical access in the first place, so your encryption and passwords actually have a chance to do their job.
Access Control Vestibule & Badge Access (Unit 2)
Locks on devices are the last layer in a chain of physical controls. Fencing, badge access, and a vestibule keep people out of the building, but a computer lock protects the machine even if someone slips inside.
Piggybacking (Unit 2)
Piggybacking gets an adversary past door controls into a restricted space. Once they're in the room, a computer lock is what stands between them and walking out with the hardware.
Expect computer locks to show up as one option in multiple-choice questions about countering physical vulnerabilities, usually paired with bollards, fencing, and access control vestibules. The skill being tested is matching the right control to the right threat. You should be able to explain that a computer lock specifically counters theft and physical tampering, not network attacks. On a free-response style risk assessment (the kind 2.2.C points to), you'd document an unsecured device as a vulnerability and recommend a lock as a low-cost mitigation. The classic CED scenario is a server in an unlocked room off an unmonitored hallway, where adding physical locks lowers the risk.
A computer lock physically secures a single device so it can't be stolen or opened. Badge access controls who can enter a room or building. One protects the hardware itself, the other protects the space around it, and a strong setup uses both as layered controls.
A computer lock is a physical control that secures a device or its components to prevent theft, tampering, or unauthorized physical access.
It matters most because, per EK 2.2.C.1, physical access lets adversaries bypass many technical controls, so locking the hardware protects everything else.
A cable lock anchoring a laptop to a desk is the most common example you'll see on the exam.
Computer locks counter theft and physical tampering, not network or software attacks.
Treat locks as the innermost layer of physical security, working alongside fencing, badge access, and vestibules from Topic 2.2.
It's a physical security control that secures a device, like a cable lock tethering a laptop to a desk, to prevent theft or tampering. It falls under Topic 2.2, physical vulnerabilities and attacks.
No. A computer lock only stops physical attacks like theft and tampering. Malware and network attacks need technical controls, but a lock matters because EK 2.2.C.1 says physical access can let an attacker bypass those technical defenses entirely.
A computer lock secures one specific device, while badge access controls who is allowed into a room or building. Locks protect the hardware, badge access protects the space, and good physical security layers both.
Because once an adversary can physically touch a device, they can often work around your passwords and other software controls. A lock keeps the hardware out of their hands so those defenses stay meaningful.
It can appear as a mitigation option in questions about physical vulnerabilities under Topic 2.2. You should be able to recognize it as a control that reduces theft and tampering risk and recommend it in a physical risk assessment.
Connect this key term to the AP exam workflow: review the course, practice questions, and check related study tools.