Hard Disk Password Security Info

[Dave Feustel <dfeustel_(_at_)_verizon_(_dot_)_net>]

c't 8/2005, S. 172: Hard Disk Security

At Your Disservice
How ATA security functions jeopardize your data

With most notebooks it is possible to secure the hard disk against 
unauthorized access with the aid of a password. Without the latter 
the disk, even when inserted into another computer, won't divulge 
its data. In the meantime this security function has become a feature 
of all 3.5" ATA hard disks and can hence be used - and abused - on desktop PCs!

http://www.heise.de/ct/english/05/08/172/