In one embodiment, an apparatus, includes an MPO connector including a main body including a connector interface to be reversibly connected to an MPO interface of an optical module, locking elements configured to lock the MPO connector with the optical module, a pull-to-release housing configured to expose the locking elements to allow removal of the MPO connector from the optical module, and an elongated channel, wherein the pull-to release housing and main body define a slot therebetween in which to retract the pull-to-release housing, and a T-shape locking key including a top section and a flexible elongated section extending from the top section, the elongated section configured to be inserted into the channel and the top section configured to rest in the slot so that retraction of the pull-to-release housing is restricted by the top section, thereby preventing unlocking of the MPO connector from the optical module.