I have no knowledge of the Chromebook than from that presented by Matt Garrett. From his explanation, the BIOS erases user data when its secure mode is disabled. So long as it's not easy to do accidentally, I actually think this is a feature for its target market segment. If that is implemented along with encryption of the user data (I don't know, is it?), it seems a valuable feature if the Chromebook is lost or stolen.
Perhaps I don't see the greater threat posed by the security mechanism employed by the Chromebooks which is a purpose built computer than UEFI which is targeted at all future offerings and is, IMO, a greater concern. In other words, I can avoid buying a Chromebook but I doubt I can avoid UEFI once my current hardware needs upgrading. - Nate -- "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true." Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-user-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org Archive: http://lists.debian.org/20130205155853.gs5...@n0nb.us