Sophos and Qualcomm want to secure the next generation of 5G PCs
Sophos has announced that it will provide its Intercept X endpoint protection software for 5G PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon computing platforms.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon computing platforms build on smartphone technology to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency to 4G and 5G-equipped business laptops.
Sophos Intercept X protects advanced computing systems and endpoints through deep learning AI and anti-ransomware capabilities and expects its software for Snapdragon computing platforms to be available in the second half of this year.
Chief Technology Officer at Sophos, Joe Levy explained in a press release how Snapdragon computing platforms provide the performance of a PC, along with the benefits of mobile computing equipment, saying:
“An always-active, always-connected, interactive computing environment that combines smartphone and PC technology provides unique security capabilities and opportunities. Traditionally, mobile devices have experienced far fewer security incidents than PCs with traditional architectures. It is certainly not because they are not ubiquitous, but rather because of their modern architecture that offers general predictability over PCs, allowing application vendors to design high-quality and secure software. Snapdragon’s computing platforms are a big step forward as they offer all the functionality and performance of a PC, but with many of the benefits associated with modern mobile computing equipment. Security loves predictability and Sophos is excited to be part of securing this next-generation computing platform. “
Security of 5G PCs
Sophos Intercept X will also be able to use Connected Standby for continuous communication with a fleet of Snapdragon-powered PCs. This makes the work of security teams easier as their investigations are not obstructed by strangers as data will not be missed due to devices being offline.
The cybersecurity company’s endpoint security software will even use AI acceleration through the Qualcomm AI Engine to compile AI-dependent software in real time on devices with optimizations to run faster and more energy-efficient.
At the same time, Intercept X will be able to leverage root of trust at the hardware level to determine device and cryptographic integrity.
Migue Nunes, senior director of product management at Qualcomm Technologies, praised the company’s partnership with Sophos and explained how it will improve security across the board for 5G PCs.
“Now, in addition to enabling always-on, always-connected PC experiences, our 5G-enabled Snapdragon computing platforms bring the next generation of security innovation rooted in our advanced AI and 5G connectivity capabilities. By partnering with Sophos, we take security on the device to a new level by enhancing their industry-leading endpoint protection with AI-accelerated threat detection on our solutions. We’re excited to see Sophos transform computing with the next generation of enterprise-grade security on 5G powered Snapdragon computing platforms. “