Intel confirms anti-theft technology for Sandy Bridge

Intel has confirmed that Sandy Bridge will take aim at corporate computing, introducing upgraded anti-theft technology in the vPro-equipped chips.

While precise details of the improved security features are currently under wraps, Intel's David Allen confirmed that they're set to include the ability to remotely disable Sandy Bridge-based systems from a remote administration console.

Speaking to IT Business, Allen explained that corporate IT departments could configure Sandy Bridge-based laptops to be deactivated on demand, providing a remote 'kill-switch' that enables lost or stolen laptops to be rendered useless remotely.

While the technology is simply an enhancement of anti-theft technologies already available on some corporate Intel platforms, it's an indication that Intel may be targeting Sandy Bridge at large corporations. Sadly, however, there are currently no signs of the technology appearing at the consumer level, where it could mimick Apple's Mobile Me remote management technology on its iPhone and iPad devices.

It's a focus that Allen is keen for Intel's OEM and ODM partners to focus on. 'As we go forward into 2011,' stated Allen, 'Sandy Bridge will deliver the security, connectivity and performance options that businesses need, and we'll rely on our channel to help deliver this to the SMB market.'

Allen also took the opportunity to claim that Intel has nothing to fear from ARM co-founder Hermann Hauser's comments that Intel will be 'obliterated', explaining that the company has long since 'evolved from being a chip company to a computing solutions company with platforms, software and services.'

Do you like the sound of a laptop you can shut down remotely, or are you worried about what could happen if ne'er-do-wells figure out how to maliciously activate the new security protocols in Sandy Bridge systems? Share your thoughts over in the forums.