You may recall that, last year, I was very excited about Intel Identity Protection Technology (IPT). Then it was all about One Time Password (OTP); basically using the 2nd generation Intel Core processor as an OTP key FOB. This year, IPT is getting some new, and even cooler features. I’ve already written about PKI and one aspect of Protected Transaction Display. Today, let’s talk briefly about another aspect of Protected Transaction Display.Protected Transaction display provides a method to get secure input from a user. It works by giving the Management Engine (ME) the ability to draw on the screen. When it does this, any software running in windows does not see what’s on the screen. All it sees it a black square. For input, there is a key pad with the numbers in a randomized location. The user uses the mouse to enter a number by clicking the key pad. Although windows can tell where on the screen the mouse is, only the ME knows that numbers where actually typed.What the user sees.What malicious software sees.OK, that sounds a little complicated just to get a number from a user. So how’s it useful? Well, one way is to get a PIN code. When PIN codes are entered using Protected Transaction Display, malicious software will be unable to determine the code entered. This protects the code from spying eyes.Another use is for transaction verification. For example, let’s say you want to transfer $100 from your bank to your friend. It’s possible that malicious software could change the $100 dollar value without you, or the bank knowing it. However, using the ME, the bank can verify the transaction amount like so; the bank asks to ME to verify the number it thinks you want. The ME pops up and asks you to enter the amount. If what you enter matches what the bank asked for, the ME will respond to the bank with that it matches. Otherwise ME responds that it doesn’t match and the bank can then deny the transaction.Of course, there are probably many other possible uses for Protected Transaction Display. That’s what excites me the most about it. It’s a totally new technology. I think we’re just beginning to imagine all that may be possible. read more

Working Better by Focusing on UXOver the past decade, mobile technologies have probably had the most dramatic impact on how we work, but advances in infrastructure will pave the way for the next big shift. Wireless technologies have improved by leaps and bounds. Advances in wireless display (WiDi) and wireless gigabit (WiGig) technologies have created the very real possibility of a wire-free workplace. They drive evolution in a truly revolutionary way.Consider the impact of something as simple as creating a “smart” conference room with a large presentation screen that automatically pairs with your 2 in 1 or other device, freeing you from adapters and cords. The meeting room could be connected to a central calendar and mark itself as “occupied” so employees always know which rooms are free and which ones are in use. Simple tweaks like this keep the focus on the content of meetings, not the distractions caused by peripheral frustrations.The workstation is another transformation target. Wireless docking, auto-connectivity, and wireless charging will dramatically reduce clutter in the workplace. The powerful All-in-One PC with the Intel Core i5 processor will free employees from the tethers of their desktop towers. Simple changes like removing cords and freeing employees from their cubicles can have huge impacts for companies — and their bottom lines.The Benefits of an Evolved WorkplaceCreating the right workplace for employees is one of the most important things companies can do to give themselves an advantage. By investing in the right infrastructure and devices, businesses can maximize employee creativity and collaboration, enhance productivity, and attract and retain top talent. Evolving the workplace through technology can empower employees to do their best work with fewer distractions and frustrations caused by outdated technology.If you’re interested in learning more about what I’ve discussed in this blog, tune in to the festivities and highlights from CeBit 2015Opens in a new window.To continue this conversation on Twitter, please use #ITCenter. And you can find me on LinkedIn here. Workplace transformation is not a new concept. It’s a piece of our evolution. As new generations enter the workforce, they bring new expectations with them; what the workplace meant for one generation doesn’t necessarily fit with the next. Think about the way we work in 2015 versus the way we worked in, say, 2000.In just 15 years, we’ve developed mobile technology that lets us communicate and work from just about anywhere. Robust mobile technologies like tablets and 2 in 1s enable remote workers to video conference and collaborate just as efficiently as they would in the office. As these technologies evolve, they change the way we think about how and where we work. read more