Vivecka Budden
SMB Segment Lead, Intel
Philip Burger
Vice President of U.S. Channel, Acer
Information technology (IT) experts are urging small to medium businesses to upgrade their computer systems and infrastructure to help guard against cyber-attacks.
Cyber-attacks continue to pose a significant threat to small and medium-sized enterprises, as underlined by the National Cyber Security Alliance, which states that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber-attack go out of business within six months. With changes looming, notably support ending for Windows 10 PCs, experts warn companies that they need to take urgent steps to protect their businesses. This means updating systems but also being aware of the potential of AI — both as a threat and safeguard.
Security risks SMEs face
Outlining the current scenario facing SMEs in maintaining IT infrastructure security, Vivecka Budden, Small and Medium Business Segment Lead on Intel’s Commercial PC Business, believes one of the major challenges is the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber threats. “SMEs must continuously work to stay ahead of potential attacks to protect their business,” she says, “as out-of-date devices could expose SMEs to increased vulnerability and security risk.”
While AI is an area of significant potential for SMEs, it can also be an attack surface for ‘bad actors’ to exploit.
Budden says such a scenario raises the importance of SMEs having an AI strategy that helps front-foot their business for increased threat detection and prevention. However, she also recognises that SMEs are having ‘to do more with less’ against a backdrop of tighter budgets and IT skills shortages.
Critical skills to combat cyber threats
Cyber threats for SMEs include phishing (fake emails) and ransomware attacks that involve encrypting data and demanding a ransom for its release. “Ransomware is also evolving to avoid software-only detections and can cause significant financial and operational damage,” adds Budden. Phishing attacks, meanwhile, use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.
Pointing to a lack of premium security tools or a dedicated cybersecurity team hindering SMEs in creating a proactive security posture, she cites a survey highlighted by ITPro, which indicates 96% of SMEs are missing critical cybersecurity skills at a time when cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques. Yet, the consequences of cyber-attacks can be severe.
“It can lead to devastating operational, financial and reputational consequences, such as lost sales, recovering cost from attacks, compensation to clients/customers and regulatory penalties and lawsuits,” says Budden, who focuses on small business insights and feedback to ensure the right hardware capabilities are being designed for the sector.
How can businesses respond?
Experts say that in addition to building staff awareness of cybersecurity, SMEs should keep software and systems updated as well as leverage security tools to automatically detect threats and monitor status. SMEs must implement a comprehensive PC strategy across hardware and software that protects their data, employees and business.
Budden says: “This proactive approach helps SMEs use the latest technology advancements to stay a step ahead of evolving threats and ensures a robust security posture.” She points to the Intel vPro business PC platform as an example that offers holistic hardware security that integrates with OS software like Windows 11 Pro to provide advanced threat protection.
“Older devices can open up an SME to the potential of greater exposure to these attacks since they don’t have the latest in security advancements,” she warns. This means they have no future updates or patches (software changes to resolve a security vulnerability) to protect against emergent cyber threats.
SMEs must implement a comprehensive
PC strategy across hardware and software
that protects their data, employees and business.
Risks from outdated PCs
Expanding on that risk from ageing devices, Acer points out that SMEs must retire Windows 10 PCs with Win 10 support ending in October. Philip Burger, Vice President of US Channel at Acer says: “Once Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, SMEs that continue using outdated PCs will face significant security risks. Hackers often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, leading to increased risks of ransomware attacks, data breaches and operational downtime and severely impacting business continuity. Without these updates, SMEs essentially become sitting ducks for cybercriminals.”
While the Win 10 EoS scenario is one that businesses must respond to, experts such as Burger feel it presents ‘a good opportunity’ for businesses to adopt new devices and transition to AI PCs. Within this context, TravelMate AI PCs, with Intel vPro® for built-in security and Intel® Core™ Ultra processors for AI-powered threat detection, can support the transition.
Device transition for SME growth
As businesses typically require several months to transition to a new system, they should act now and move to Windows 11, for example, before October. Additionally, the latest neural processing unit (NPU)-powered PCs can boost productivity in areas like content creation, data analysis, insight generation and meeting summaries and have a range of AI applications to help ensure ‘uninterrupted and secure business operations.’
Burger explains: “This allows SMEs to expand their capabilities and overcome limitations related to resources or workforce. Windows 11 Pro PCs enable a reported 62% drop1 in security incidents and accelerate workflows by an average of 50%.2 Investing in AI PCs is a future-proof strategy, allowing SMEs to take advantage of the evolving AI landscape.” Tech giants Acer and Intel have a robust partnership in delivering the latest secure technology for businesses and point to the advantages AI PCs have over non-AI PCs in terms of efficiency and threat detection.
Risks of delaying OS upgrade
However, companies that are slow in transitioning will be vulnerable to increased cyberattacks amid fears that cybercriminals will target Windows 10 devices after support ends.
Burger says: “Delaying the transition leaves SMEs exposed to increased and evolving cyber threats, as outdated operating systems will no longer receive security updates. Cybercriminals often target unsupported operating systems, knowing that vulnerabilities will remain unpatched.
“Without security updates, SMEs risk experiencing similar attacks, potentially leading to data loss, financial harm and severe operational disruptions. The longer they delay, the greater the exposure to cyber threats.”
Making the switch is a critical step
“The shift from traditional PCs to AI PCs is not just a luxury; it’s rapidly becoming a strategic necessity for SMEs,” continues Burger. “AI PCs offer significant advantages in terms of improved security, enhanced productivity through AI-powered tools, and future-proofing the business against technological advancements. Companies that fail to upgrade risk falling behind competitors who leverage AI to streamline operations and automate tasks.
“This transition is crucial for SMEs to stay competitive in the modern digital landscape, enabling them to operate more efficiently, securely and innovatively,” Burger adds. The threat of cyber-attack remains a real and present danger for SMEs; but taking the right steps, and updating and investing in the latest equipment, can help negate these risks and enable small and medium companies to continue to grow and flourish.
[1] Techaisle, 2024. Windows 11 Survey Report.
[2] Principled Technologies, 2023. Improve your day-to-day experience with Windows 11 Pro laptops.
