Used IBM Thinkpad decision to keep or remove the security chip?

[Vickie Seley]

I just received a message asking me if I wish to have the IBM Thinkpad
embedded security chip "26P8084" removed for my protection on the used IBM
Thinkpad A31 that I bought recently.

What is this IBM Thinkpad A31 security chip?
I googled and found it's part number "23" in this exploded diagram
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...ThinkPad A31&family=IBM ThinkPad|ThinkPad A31

The technicians at Fryes said he could easily remove the security card
which he said was about the size of a thumbnail and not needed. They are
waiting for my reply.

What does this IBM Thinkpad security chip "26P8084" do anyway?
Is this IBM Thinkpad security chip good or bad for my security?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vickie

 

[Mario Schmidt]

I just received a message asking me if I wish to have the IBM Thinkpad
embedded security chip "26P8084" removed for my protection on the used IBM
Thinkpad A31 that I bought recently.

LOL. Would let this technician frag your HDD for free as well?

What is this IBM Thinkpad A31 security chip?

It may encrypt your data using hardware-encryption which is faster but
needs some special programs (IBM Security Suite) to be used which take
over usual Windows logon etc. It' s also a TPM device, which means
"Trusted Platform Module". Newer systems also have a biometric fingertip
sensor which also works together with that chip to make your data and
system even more secure (You can only boot the machine with YOUR
fingers). It' s true, normally it' s not really needed and can be
deactivated in BIOS.

The technicians at Fryes said he could easily remove the security card
which he said was about the size of a thumbnail and not needed. They are
waiting for my reply.

Why would anyone want to "fix" a thing that does not cause any problems
at all? Why bother?