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FSF-Endorsed Libreboot X200 Laptop Comes With Intel's AMT Removed

Posted by timothy on from the if-thine-eye-offends-thee dept.

gnujoshua (540710) writes "The Free Software Foundation has announced its endorsement of the Libreboot X200, a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad X200 sold by Gluglug. The laptop ships with 100% free software and firmware, including the FSF's endorsed Trisquel GNU/Linux and Libreboot. One of the biggest challenges overcome in achieving FSF's Respects Your Freedom certification was the complete removal of Intel's ME and AMT firmware. The AMT is a controversial proprietary backdoor technology that allows remote access to a machine even when it is powered off. Quoting from the press release: "The ME and its extension, AMT, are serious security issues on modern Intel hardware and one of the main obstacles preventing most Intel based systems from being liberated by users. On most systems, it is extremely difficult to remove, and nearly impossible to replace. Libreboot X200 is the first system where it has actually been removed, permanently," said Gluglug Founder and CEO, Francis Rowe."

2 of 179 comments (clear)

  1. Since when is AMT controversial? by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I've always found AMT useful. It's turned off by default, so I'm not sure how it's a security risk. What I like about it is the following:

    - Allows you to remotely manage client PCs in a work environment, up to and including re-formatting the HDD with a new OS, including being able to remotely mount a local ISO image to install the OS.
    - Works even when some of the most critical system components don't work, such as CPU, RAM, etc, as it's an independent subsystem. Even if you don't want the remote management features, this is a huge deal when you have a seemingly dead system and aren't sure exactly how to fix it. AMT helps you figure out the EXACT problem FAST, and you don't even have to have the computer in your hands to do so.
    - Integrates with LDAP (including Active Directory, Samba, etc)
    - Provides the ability to power on and remotely wipe the laptop if it was stolen and contains sensitive data.

    So what's so controversial about it?

  2. AMD by Atmchicago · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Would it be easier to go with an AMD laptop? Do they have similar firmwmare concerns?

    --

    You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it dissolve.