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This Laptop Will Self-Destruct

Posted by timothy on from the no-really dept.

call -151 writes: "Interesting article at wired about how since 1997, 205 laptops have disappeared from the British Defense Ministry most with classified info. Oops, left my laptop on the bus... So now the plan is to have ``a built-in electronic self-destruct mechanism that erases a laptop's hard drive if the case is opened by force'' when the code is forgotten, as well as ''a tracking feature that allows a computer gone astray to call home." Maybe we'll see some of this tech trickle down to other interesting uses ..." Maybe vigilante justice in the future will consist of LoJacked laptops allowed to be stolen, with the Semtex inside blown up via 802.11. Hey -- business method patent ...

3 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. I'm sure they already have this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5

    now the plan is to have ``a built-in electronic self-destruct mechanism that erases a laptop's hard drive

    Windows?

  2. This might suck... by DA_MAN_DA_MYTH · · Score: 5

    Imagine a boss who wants to avoid confrontation presses a button, nothing says fired like blown off hands and a charred face...

    Rehab is for quitters...

    --
    "It takes many nails to build a crib, but one screw to fill it."
  3. Uh.. by c_g12 · · Score: 5
    The Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment, but said in a press release that it plans to protect its laptops by purchasing 15,000 thief-proof briefcases, each priced at 1,000 pounds apiece (about $1,438).

    They may want to consider attaching 15,000 handcuffs at 2 pounds apiece.