Intel to embed security in business computers

Viruses, Trojans and hackers have made security an important issue in enterprises. The requirement for security solutions has increased and manufacturers or developers are thinking of new approaches to deal with information security threats. Intel for one wants to embed security in motherboards that will be used in business computers. It has partnered with a software company for this initiative.

Under the agreement Wave Systems will supply software to enable a chip that handles security functions, called the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The chip will be included on an Intel motherboard that's expected in the fourth quarter.

With the TPM, users will be able to encrypt or decrypt documents as well as ensure that they get stored in secure areas on a PC's hard drive. The TPM specification was designed by the Trusted Computing Group, an industry consortium trying to establish for security. Members include Advanced Micro Devices, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel and Microsoft.

Systems with embedded security are likely be adopted by white box PC manufacturers. These are dealers who custom-build PCs for regional markets. Small and medium-sized businesses are the primary customers for these outlets.