Lenovo laptops that are either lost or stolen are to feature a function whereby the original user can text a number to disable the computer completely, it has been revealed.

The company's ThinkPad technology will now be equipped with the Constant Secure Remote Disable service, which will also let the owner know if the terminal has been successfully deactivated after the text has been sent.

It has also been revealed that the so-called kill switch can be linked with up to ten phones owned by the user or others related to the PC which contacts the computer via wireless networks.

For those who recover their laptop or send the text under the wrong pretenses, the process is reversible through the user entering a preset password on the notebook after it is restarted.

Lenovo is one of the leading sponsors of AT&T Williams, a Formula One team which the company believes gives it the international exposure that the brand deserves.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent).