IBM Is First Manufacturer to Equip Notebooks With National鈥檚 Trusted Platform Module
National Semiconductor announced today that IBM selected National鈥檚 SafeKeeper Notebook Trusted Input/Output security device for IBM鈥檚 latest notebook computer, the IBM ThinkPad T43.
Announced January 19, IBM鈥檚 thin and light ThinkPad T43 features a multi-layered security approach for managing ever-increasing security threats. National鈥檚 SafeKeeper Notebook Trusted Input/Output (I/O) device, based on the industry-standard Trusted Platform Module, provides the foundation for this layered secure computing infrastructure and helps IBM鈥檚 customers protect their notebooks from hackers and Trojan horse viruses. The Trusted I/O device stores vital elements of the computer鈥檚 identity in silicon, making it virtually impossible for outsiders to read or modify that information.
鈥淣ational and IBM recognize that intellectual property must be protected on notebooks no matter where a company鈥檚 employees are located,鈥� said Jonathan Levy, general manager of National鈥檚 Advanced PC Division. 鈥淲ith IBM鈥檚 desktop PCs already relying on National鈥檚 SafeKeeper technology, their customers can be assured that they have secure industry-standard products whether they are in the office or on-the-go.鈥�
Unlike other security hardware, National鈥檚 Trusted I/O devices integrate a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Super I/O and embedded firmware to implement industry-standard Trusted Computing Group security functions. TPMs are microcontrollers that securely store passwords, digital certificates and encryption keys for PCs and other systems. These devices, which comply with Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specifications, can be used to protect computer software, such as BIOS, operating systems and applications, from unauthorized snoopers or malicious attacks. IBM has used TPMs since 1999.
National鈥檚 Notebook Trusted I/O security device is based on its embedded 16-bit CompactRISC core technology. It resides on the low-pin-count (LPC) bus, an ideal place for integration because it sits at the intersection of input devices to the PC. Pin- and software-compatibility with the company鈥檚 current Super I/O products allows system engineers to easily create dual-system designs that can accept either part. This gives manufacturers the flexibility to design 鈥淭PM-ready鈥� systems without designing in an additional empty socket.
