Everything You Need to Know about Enhancing Cybersecurity with Intel vPro®: A Comprehensive Guide

In a recent exploration of Intel vPro® technology, I delved into its capabilities by testing its resilience against malware. The results were impressive, as the Intel vPro-based laptop not only survived the malware onslaught but also outperformed a standard laptop in terms of security. 

If you haven’t seen that test, I highly suggest you watch it here:

This raised several questions about the mechanisms behind Intel vPro’s robust security features. 

To unravel these mysteries, I connected with Joab Paiva, an Intel expert with 17 years of experience, to discuss the critical aspects of Intel vPro and its on-page security measures.

What Are The Required Infrastructure for Remote Management?

To harness the power of Intel vPro for remote management, the first essential component is an Intel vPro machine and a small server in the cloud or the server could be on prem.

This server hosts the Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA), a tool with dual roles: managing devices remotely and provisioning Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT). 

Intel AMT allows secure connections between Intel EMA and the devices, enabling various remote management tasks, including power control, BIOS access, and launching small images.

Joab emphasizes flexibility in deployment, acknowledging the diverse security preferences of clients. Whether hosted in a public cloud or an on-premises private cloud, the server needs specific requirements, such as Windows Server 2016 or 2019, SQL Express or SQL Standard, and a robust processor with adequate memory to support up to 20,000 Intel vPro devices.

How does Intel Active Management Technology work in the “Real-World”?

Intel AMT, designed 16 years ago, serves as a robust tool for both proactive and reactive security measures. 

In reactive scenarios, Intel AMT helps recover a compromised device by isolating it from the network, enabling remote management even when physically disconnected. Proactively, Intel AMT allows scheduling tasks during off-business hours, such as patching devices with updates, drivers, or even initiating a new Windows installation without disrupting users.

What is Intel’s Approach to Protection Against Known and Unknown Threats?

Intel vPro employs Boot and BIOS Guard to verify and measure the boot sequence, flagging any unknown components. 

Below the operating system (OS), these features prevent unauthorized software from loading during the boot process. Above the OS, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) analyze telemetry data from the CPU and other components to identify abnormal usage patterns, protecting against threats like cryptojacking and fileless threats that reside only in memory.

Intel’s approach is holistic, combining hardware and software seamlessly. This integration allows antivirus programs like Microsoft Defender to leverage AI in the hardware, enhancing threat detection and response capabilities.

Joab emphasizes that Intel vPro aims to provide users with secured features out of the box, requiring minimal user intervention. 

The system’s machine learning and AI capabilities continuously adapt to user behavior, promptly detecting anomalies such as unexpected Bitcoin mining activities. This autonomous defense mechanism ensures a proactive approach to threat mitigation.

Does Intel vPro have a specific focus on Wi-Fi?

While Intel vPro does not have specific features dedicated to securing Wi-Fi connections, it excels in monitoring and analyzing advanced telemetry data from Wi-Fi. 

This data feeds into the machine learning model, allowing Intel vPro to make informed assessments of Wi-Fi usage patterns and identify potential security risks.

So in summary:

As businesses consider refreshing their hardware lineup in 2024, embracing Intel vPro-based laptops emerges as a strategic move for enhanced cybersecurity. 

The thorough integration of hardware-level security features, machine learning, and AI sets Intel vPro apart as a reliable choice to safeguard against evolving cyber threats. 

In an era where data protection is paramount, it’s comforting to know that there are options available for users seeking a robust and proactive defense against cybercriminals.

To get more information check out Intel’s site here: https://intel.ly/3OAtdQt

And if you would like to find out more information about What is vPro, check it out here: https://thetechieguy.com/intel-vpro-cyber-security/

This article was sponsored by Intel

Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation.

No product or component can be absolutely secure.  

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