Intel has come out with anti-theft (AT) technology for laptops based on Centrino 2 processors with VPro technology. The AT technology delivers client-side intelligence that protects encrypted data and system configurations against unauthorized access if a notebook is lost or stolen.

Businesses face daunting challenges with respect to Notebooks: increasing number of data breaches, identity theft and computer theft. To cite an example, on 28^th Apr 2008, a pilot of MESA airlines reported personal laptop missing from the overhead compartment. As a consequence 17 international airports had to change their access codes.

Intel AT uses a set of programmable and interdependent hardware-based triggers and responses to identify unauthorized attempts to access encrypted data or the OS. For example, IT administrator can define a trigger so that the system locks down after five attempts to log in. If the notebook is reported lost, IT administrator can flag the system in a central database. The next time the notebook connects to the internet, and synchronises with the central server, Intel AT will disable the PC and/or access to data after receiving server notification that the system has been logged as lost or stolen.

Companies like Toshiba have already started manufacturing notebooks using this technology in their latest notebooks like Satellite Pro S300, Tecra A10 and M10.

With cutting edge technologies available these days, you can be assured of security of your machine and data while IT managers keep your machines up-to-date.

Besides Intel, several other companies are working on the anti-theft technology, including Lenovo Group, McAfee, Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Phoenix Technologies.