Why Modern AI-Powered PCs Are Crucial for Businesses
When it comes to PC refreshes, the benefits go beyond just a sleek new design or faster processor. Investing in modern AI-powered PCs is key to building a more secure, productive, and resilient future for businesses. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month approaches and Microsoft Windows 10 nears its end of support, now is the perfect time to understand the importance of a strategic device refresh strategy in safeguarding organizations.
The shift to hybrid work has brought about greater flexibility for employees, but it has also expanded the attack surface for IT teams. With endpoints now connecting from various networks outside the corporate firewall, they have become prime targets for cyber criminals. As remote working policies evolve, securing all devices becomes paramount.
Cyber crime is on the rise, with a significant number of businesses experiencing security breaches in the last year. This underscores the critical need for organizations to prioritize security in all IT decisions. A strategic approach to the PC lifecycle can transform a routine refresh into a crucial security update.
The Hidden Risks of Holding onto Older Devices
While keeping older devices may seem like a cost-saving measure, it poses hidden risks. These devices are no longer receiving necessary security updates, leaving them vulnerable to new cyber threats. Additionally, outdated devices lack the necessary hardware support for running AI workloads securely and efficiently, making them more susceptible to attacks.
Windows 11, with its security-first design, requires hardware features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for enhanced security. Running modern software on legacy hardware not only impacts performance but also leaves organizations exposed to security vulnerabilities.
The Rise of On-Device AI and Small Language Models
The trend towards on-device AI is gaining momentum, with small language models (SLMs) enabling powerful AI capabilities directly on endpoints. This shift requires the right hardware, such as AI PCs with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), to support secure and private AI applications.
Organizations can now deploy AI for sensitive operations without data leaving the device, signaling a fundamental change in how enterprise AI is deployed.
How Modern PCs Enhance Security
Modern AI PCs offer a crucial line of defense in a zero-trust world, with built-in hardware and firmware-level security features. Features like BIOS and firmware verification ensure tamper-free devices, while secure storage for credentials protects against identity attacks.
Supply chain security measures, such as digital certificates, enhance hardware-level trust, making on-device AI a secure strategy for organizations.
A Refresh Strategy for a Resilient Future
Viewing PC refresh as part of an organization’s security strategy can lead to a more resilient and productive enterprise. By adopting a security-first hardware approach in the AI era, organizations can reduce security incidents and strengthen their overall security posture.
Now is the time for business leaders to rethink their PC fleet and equip their employees with the right tools for a secure future. An AI PC fleet is not just about speed; it is a foundational element of a robust security strategy in today’s evolving threat landscape.
Louise Quennell is UK senior director of the Client Solutions Group at Dell Technologies
