Trend Micro unveils world's first AI PC security solutions

IDC has released forecasts indicating a monumental rise in the shipment of AI PCs, predicting that nearly 60% of global PC shipments will be AI PCs by 2027. This projection shows a significant increase from the 50 million units expected in 2024 to over 167 million units by 2027. This sharp growth drives an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, as consumers face increased exposure to threats such as model tampering and knowledge poisoning in AI applications.

Responding to these emerging risks, cybersecurity operator Trend Micro has unveiled the world's first security solutions specifically designed for consumer AI PCs. Set to be available by the end of 2024, these solutions were prominently featured at Computex 2024. Trend Micro's new security capabilities include NPU-powered email security and robust AI application protection.

The company’s new NPU-powered email security leverages neural processing units to run email scam protection locally on AI PCs. Historically, email content analysis required offloading to the cloud due to the extensive computing power required. By enabling local scans, the new feature enhances user privacy and streamlines the process, removing data privacy friction. Trend Micro anticipates a significant adoption of this feature among consumers using AI PCs.

Moreover, Trend Micro seeks to counteract the inadequacies of traditional cybersecurity solutions regarding safeguarding AI applications. AI systems may fall victim to malicious activities like model tampering or knowledge base poisoning, which can mislead the AI, compromise sensitive information, or propagate misinformation. The company’s AI application protection aims to mitigate these threats by providing advanced defence mechanisms to secure AI applications, making it an essential addition to device security products from 2024 onwards.

At Computex 2024, Trend Micro demonstrated these capabilities at its booth, emphasising its dedication to addressing the evolving security challenges in the AI era. The showcase included a collaboration with Intel, utilising Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra processors, code-named Lunar Lake, noted for their 48 NPU Tops. This partnership allows Trend Micro to offer enhanced local email security, significantly increasing user privacy and reducing latency.

Carla Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager of Client Software Ecosystem Enabling at Intel, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "We are pleased to collaborate with Trend Micro on AI solutions leveraging our next-generation Intel Core Ultra processors. Trend will be the first to utilise Lunar Lake’s 48 NPU Tops on their email defence feature, running scans locally to increase user privacy and security while lowering latency."

Kevin Simzer, Chief Operating Officer at Trend Micro, emphasised the dual focus on using AI for security and securing AI: "We are not only leveraging AI for security but also securing AI itself. The value of this AI era will ultimately depend on how secure it is, from the enterprise level to the individual consumer. Trend is addressing both, while many in the industry are not yet doing either."

With the deployment of AI PCs offering benefits such as enhanced performance and privacy, Trend Micro’s initiatives come at a crucial moment. As PC manufacturers rapidly introduce new AI-powered models, consumers face new opportunities and risks. Trend Micro’s proactive approach aims to ensure that these advancements are grounded in robust security measures, setting a precedent for the future of consumer AI PCs.