Good to know: What is iAMT?

26.06.2019

If you take a closer look at Intel Core i processors, you may come across the term “iAMT”, Intel Active Management Technology. We have summarized for you what is behind it and what functions iAMT brings with it.

Intel Active Management Technology, or iAMT is a system for the administration and remote maintenance of PCs. It is based on the Intel vPro platform and consists of its own hardware component, the Intel Management Engine (Intel ME for short). This is installed as a microcontroller in all current chipsets, including Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and Xeon processors.

This microcontroller always runs when the computer has power, as it is supplied via the 5-volt supply of the power supply unit. The PC does not have to be switched on for this. This hardware-based management has the advantage that most features can also be used when the PC is switched off or has crashed. There are only a few functions for which the computer must be running. The PC to be managed via iAMT can be controlled via cable or WLAN.

What functions does iAMT have?

iAMT can perform various tasks, such as

Switching the PC on or off remotely
Direct the boot process in a different direction, e.g. to boot from a CD
Reset computer
Change BIOS settings
Switching the power supply on and off
Redirect keyboard, mouse and screen output via KVM switch
Read out information about errors
Trigger remote control sessions

What are the disadvantages of iAMT?

Unfortunately, iAMT has enormous security gaps. The German Federal Office for Information Security issued a warning about Intel Active Management Technology back in 2015. In 2017, it became known that it was possible to take over computers completely.

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