MeshCentral - Intel AMT Activation

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on activating Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) using various methods. Intel AMT is a powerful remote management platform embedded in certain Intel processors. Understanding how to activate AMT can simplify remote management for IT departments and enhance the security and usability of devices.

Chapter 1: Understanding Activation

Activation of Intel AMT involves enabling it to respond to management requests securely. The process involves integrating a secret piece of information, often called a password, into the Intel Management Engine (ME). This secret ensures that only the rightful owner can manage the device remotely.

Key Points

• Intel Management Engine: A small computer within your computer that manages AMT and needs to trust the owner’s credentials.
• Ownership: The rightful owner could be an individual or an IT department in a large organization.
• Trust Issues: The ME must be able to trust the information it receives, especially if the operating system could be compromised.

Chapter 2: CCM and ACM Activation Modes

Intel AMT can be activated in two primary modes: Client Control Mode (CCM) and Administrator Control Mode (ACM). Each mode has its advantages and limitations.

Client Control Mode (CCM)

• Ease of Activation: CCM is straightforward and can be activated using tools like Mesh Command.
• Trusting Relationship: The operating system and AMT trust each other. The OS can enable or disable AMT at any time.

Administrator Control Mode (ACM)

• Adversarial Relationship: The operating system does not trust AMT. This mode is more secure as it prevents the OS from disabling AMT.
• User Consent: KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) access can function without user consent, making it ideal for remote management.

Chapter 3: Activating CCM

To activate CCM, follow these steps:

1. Open Mesh Command: Ensure you are running it as an administrator.
2. Run the Command:

   mesh command AMT CCM [password]
   

3. Set Up Password: Provide a password to secure AMT.
4. Deactivate CCM: If you forget the password, use the command to deactivate it without needing the password.

Practical Tips

• You can access AMT features like remote management, but KVM and disk redirection require user consent.
• Always ensure the MEI driver is installed before activation.

Chapter 4: Activating ACM

Activation of ACM is more complex but provides enhanced security. Here are the methods:

Method 1: MEBX Activation

1. Enter MEBX: During boot, press Ctrl + P to access the ME BIOS Extension.
2. Log In: Use the default password admin.
3. Set New Password: Create a new password and enable AMT.

Method 2: USB Activation

1. Prepare USB Drive: Format the USB drive to FAT32 and create a file named setup.bin in the root.
2. Add Activation Command: The setup.bin must contain commands for activating AMT.
3. Boot with USB: Insert the USB and reboot the machine to activate AMT.

Method 3: DHCP Option 15 Activation

1. Set Up DHCP: Ensure your router provides a DHCP option 15 with your network name.
2. Obtain Certificate: Acquire a certificate from a trusted certificate authority that matches your network.
3. Remote Activation: Use Mesh Central to connect and activate AMT if the network matches.

Conclusion

Activating Intel AMT can significantly enhance remote management capabilities. For ease of use, CCM is recommended if its features suffice. However, for environments requiring stricter security and remote access without user consent, ACM is the way to go. Choose the activation method that best fits your needs, and ensure you have the appropriate credentials and tools ready for the process.