Ericsson to offer Intel anti-theft tech in notebooks

Sweden's telecommunications giant Ericsson announced on Thursday it is working with Intel to equip mobile broadband module-equipped notebooks with secure anti-theft solutions. The solution is meant to make stealing notebooks less attractive to thieves and protect data with encryption software. The concept, identical to the recent Lenovo solution recently unveiled, involves users sending an SMS message to the notebook's mobile broadband module that will trigger Intel's Anti-Theft function built into the processor platform and locks down the system. When the notebook is recovered, another message can restore the system to its operational state.

The collaboration will have Ericsson's mobile broadband modules that allow access to wireless data networks integrate with Intel's PC protection technology. The latter currently allows notebooks to perform anti-theft measures after multiple failed login attempts or not connecting to a central server in a preset time period. The new technology will be capable of blocking a notebook's boot process and also trigger third-party encryption hardware or software that will protect data by deleting essential codes necessary for decryption.

Additionally, the system will be capable of locating a notebook thanks to built-in GPS technology in Ericsson modules. Thanks to the GPS, owners can also be alerted of a potential theft situation when the notebook leaves a predefined area, or geo-fence.

Ericsson's HSPA-capable modules with support for the Intel Anti-Theft PC Protection technology will be available in commercial notebooks in the second half of 2009.

Filed under: computers, security, software
Other story tags: Intel, Lenovo, Ericsson