Lenovo PC disabler

Lenovo has announced the Constant Secure Remote Disable service, which allows users to remotely disable a PC by sending a text message.

A user can send a text message — also called the kill command — from a specified cellphone number to disable a PC. Each ThinkPad can be paired with up to 10 cellphones, and the service works over wireless networks that support the SMS (short message service) standard.

A lost or stolen laptop must have a working cellular data card and a paid data plan with a carrier for the remote disable service to work.

Lenovo worked with Phoenix Technologies to develop the service.