Beyond the refresh: Your cyber strategy must include AI PCs | Computer Weekly

"It's easy to view PC refreshes as simply cosmetic. Businesses get new designs, faster processors and maybe a thinner chassis. But while these enhancements are certainly welcome, the real significance of a device refresh strategy runs much deeper. By investing into modern AI-powered PCs, businesses are building a more secure, productive, and resilient future. As we mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Microsoft Windows 10 reaches end-of-support, now is the perfect time to explore how a modern PC strategy plays an important role in securing organisations."

"While the shift to hybrid work has seen employees enjoy greater flexibility, IT teams are also facing an expanded attack surface. Endpoints are no longer safely behind the corporate firewall. Instead, they connect from home networks, public Wi-Fi and everywhere in between, making them prime targets for cyber criminals. As businesses adjust and advance remote working policies, ensuring the security of all devices is paramount."

"From phishing to fraudulent websites, cybercrime is more prevalent than ever, with the latest UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealing 43% of businesses have experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. Our recent UK research with Intel found that for nearly half (46%) of IT decision-makers, news of high-profile cyber breaches is the primary motivator to refresh their PC fleet - more so than an operating system deadline itself."

PC refreshes deliver more than design and performance improvements; they provide security, productivity and resilience gains when modern AI-powered devices are adopted. Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the end of Microsoft Windows 10 support increase urgency for modern PC strategies. Hybrid work expands the attack surface as endpoints connect from home networks, public Wi-Fi and other untrusted locations, creating prime targets for cyber criminals. Cybercrime is increasingly prevalent: 43% of UK businesses reported a breach or attack in the last 12 months. Research with Intel found 46% of IT decision-makers cite high-profile breaches as the main motivator to refresh PCs, outweighing OS deadlines. A security-first PC lifecycle transforms routine refreshes into critical security updates and reduces hidden risks from ageing fleets.

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