Intel Antitheft is a web-based service which uses hardware features in computers equipped with Intel® Anti-Theft Technology to provide multi-level security. It protects private data and guards against theft with remote lockdown, encryption within Secure Data Vault, and other built-in theft deterrence capabilities.
Intel AT requires an Intel AT-enabled processor, BIOS and firmware that support the technology, and a software security subscription service. To determine whether your notebook supports Intel AT, see http://antitheft.intel.com/find-a-laptop.aspx
While purchasing Norton Antitheft, if the machine is enabled with Intel Antitheft technology, then Norton Anti-theft website enables user to lock down the system at hardware level remotely. User can login to portal to track the device and lock it using either NAT lock or Intel lock.
In Normal lock using Norton Anti-theft - the systems boots up and user is shown a lock screen rendered by NAT.
If the machine is activated for Intel Anti-theft technology , user can choose between NAT lock (soft lock) or a hardware lock using Intel AT.
If a machine is locked via Intel AT(from NAT portal), lock screen is displayed before the OS or any other component is loaded.
If Intel AT is enabled and used for locking the hard disk is protected and prevents from booting into any services, programs, or operating systems, even if the hard drive is replaced or reformatted.(even encrypted data access is disabled).
When the notebook is recovered, it can be restored to the state it was in before being disabled by Intel AT and removing the lock from the portal.