In some examples, PCA 192 includes an embedded management processor to initiate the indication of the disablement trigger. Because the management processor is embedded in hardware, for instance, an edge device disablement option can be offered to a user at the user's discretion. The option can be used, for instance, in place of a lock box for edge devices or enhancement to physical security of the edge system deployment location.

In response to the indication, reprogram engine 188 can reprogram a PCA 192 of edge device 190 to render mechanisms of PCA 192 inoperable. For instance, mechanisms rendered inoperable can include hardware components and/or software components associated with PCA 192. Rendering hardware components, in addition to software components, inoperable can prevent bad actors from obtaining passwords or software to unlock hardware and access data on the edge device. In some instances, functions of indication engine 186 and reprogram engine 188 can be implemented in hardware without software.

In some examples, to render the hardware components inoperable, subsystems of PCA 192 can be programmed to no longer function. For instance, control logic of PCA 192 can be reprogrammed to disable power rails of PCA 192 and hold associated devices in reset. The power rails, for instance, can be such that power is not able to be forced to operate externally. In some examples, as a part of disablement, programmable portions of PCA 192 may not be reprogrammable, and programming interfaces on PCA 192 can be disabled in order to prevent recovery by a user other than a manufacturer of PCA 192 having unique tools and knowledge to recover PCA 192.