Embedded Security Chip?

[JohnV]

I have a question about the embedded security chip? What exactly does it do? Is it worth it to me to enable it?

Thanks for any info,

John

[Leon]

this has been asked before, but not answered.. I too am confused by this, even after reading the info on the IBM site...does anyone know of an informative article or tutorial on this subject?

[pete0r]

ditto

[benz]

I thought about this to, when setting up my new T42p. So I went ahead and enabled the chip by downloading the utilities and following all of the (lengthy) instructions from IBM's website. However, in the end it appeared that the security chip really just provides another level of security (hardware). I don't think its really useful to the common users , probably more for corporate and government applications.

However, uninstalling everything was a pain in the [censored]. I still haven't fully removed everything, i think, and now whenever I shut down the computer it stays at the "Logging off..." window forever, until I manually kill it (holding the power button for 4-5sec). This never happened before I installed and then uninstalled the security chip software/enabled the chip. Everything is responsive (mouse moves, but keys perform no action) it seems, but it will not get past this screen (I've left it once for 30min and nothing). Any suggestions out there?

I think the moral of the story is that you probably shouldnt mess with it unless you need it or you FULLY understand the steps and processes. I'll admit, i kinda went at the whole thing blindly, thinking i could just 'try it out' like other software.

[gtratter]

My experience shows me that you ONLY need to install and enable it if you have REAL security concerns. For the average user XP's security features will more than suffice.

[Conmee]

Yes... ditto to what everyone has said...

In addition, it's one additional layer of security with the bonus that all security-related information (encryption keys, passwords, etc) are stored on the chip and tied to the Security Chip and motherboard serial numbers. So for instance, if you used one of those password managers like the one that comes with Norton System Works, the one that is from IBM stores your passwords on the security chip, not the hard drive, making password theft a bit more difficult if you get you machine stolen. It's just one more level of pain-in-the-a$$ for a would-be thief, etc, if you were to use the IBM software in combination with the chip. I used it briefly and then removed it as it slows down the logon/logoff process, and I wasn't sure that what I was trying to secure was of much value anyhow... lol

[wozza]

iirc, the security chip can be tracked down too, so if your thinkpad is stolen you can retrieve it... its not free tho !