A platform protected by an always-available security system, the system is described. The system, in one embodiment, comprises a near field communications (NFC) reader, a pairing logic to identify an NFC device as an authorized device for arming and disarming the system, an arming logic to arm the system upon receipt of an arming command, and a disarming logic to disarm the system upon receipt of a disarming command, wherein the arming command and the disarming command may use the NFC device, and wherein the NFC reader is powered in a plurality of power states, enabling disarming and arming of the platform in the plurality of power states.