[ltp] TCPA on Thinkpads

[Edi Weitz]

Gerard van Winssen <gerard@vanwinssen.nl> writes:

> I've read A bit about this issue, and from what I understand of it I don't 
> like it at all as A linux user.
> 
> Now I've noticed that many Thinkpads made after May 2002 have this "security" 
> spy chip, AKA IBM security chip..
> My R31 too, I saw it in the bios settings.
> Some text from the IBM website:
> 
> <<
> Select ThinkPad and NetVista clients feature the IBM Embedded Security 
> Subsystem and the new TCPA-compliant IBM Embedded Security Subsytem 2.0. The 
> subsystem consists of an integrated security chip and IBM Client Security 
> Software, which the customer must download after receiving the client to 
> ensure only authorized parties have knowledge of customer security 
> components.
> 
> Only IBM offers the most secure industry-standard PC to provide more secure 
> local file and folder encryption, wired and wireless communications, and user 
> authentication to control system and network access.
> >>
> 
> Can someone tell me what this "security" shit means for us linux-on-Thinkpad 
> users?
> I rather get rid of the Thinkpad when someone can spy on me. :-(

This chip is not intended to "spy" on you. It might in fact be rather
useful in some cases. IBM has some very good information about it
(including a GPL'd Linux driver) here:

  <http://www.research.ibm.com/gsal/tcpa/>

Edi.