Trend Micro to strengthen cybersecurity for AI PCs by 2027

Trend Micro, a global player in cybersecurity, has unveiled its strategic plan to protect consumers as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the computing landscape. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities posed by the rise of AI PCs, which are expected to comprise nearly 60% of all PC shipments by 2027, according to IDC forecasts.

AI PCs represent a significant evolution in how individuals interact with AI. They provide enhanced speed and security by processing data locally rather than in the cloud. However, this increased capability also heightens the potential for cyber threats, as bad actors may seek to exploit these powerful systems.

Trend Micro's strategy includes the introduction of several solutions slated for release in the second half of 2024. These solutions are designed to safeguard AI applications, protect against malicious AI content, and leverage AI PCs' neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.

The focus areas include AI Application Protection, which aims to prevent tampering with AI applications, contamination with malicious input, and unintended or malicious access to sensitive data. Additionally, Malicious AI Content Protection will implement solutions to defend against AI-generated or AI-altered malicious content, safeguarding consumers from such threats. Furthermore, NPU-powered Cybersecurity Capabilities are designed for AI PCs, leveraging the additional computing power provided by NPUs to offer advanced security measures.

Eva Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of Trend Micro, stated, "Generative AI represents an infrastructure shift that requires us to use our long history of understanding digital threats to develop innovative solutions and meet the moment. Our goal is to ensure every user, from individual consumers to the largest organisations in the world, can harness the full potential of AI and AI PCs securely and confidently."

While AI offers promising advancements for consumers, it also poses risks. A recent survey by Trend Micro revealed that 72% of respondents were excited about AI's potential to enhance task quality and uncover new opportunities. However, nearly 65% expressed concern about AI's role in spreading misinformation, and 58% worried about the misuse of their images and likenesses.

Trend Micro's initiative also aligns with the MITRE Adversarial Threat Landscape for Artificial Intelligence Systems (ATLAS), which assesses risks associated with AI assets. The company is mapping its capabilities to this matrix to address consumer use cases more effectively.

The advent of AI PCs is poised to offer substantial benefits, such as improved processing speed and heightened privacy. These systems enable users to run AI applications locally, reducing the need to send data to the cloud. This development not only enhances data privacy but also opens new avenues for Trend Micro to deliver AI-powered cybersecurity solutions directly on devices.

As AI technology continues to evolve, Trend Micro remains committed to innovating and adapting its cybersecurity measures to protect consumers. By leveraging its extensive expertise in digital threats, the company aims to create a safer environment for the widespread adoption of AI and AI PCs.