Sophos announces collaboration with Qualcomm for PC security

Sophos has announced it plans to combine Sophos Intercept X with Qualcomm Snapdragon compute platforms.

Snapdragon compute platforms by Qualcomm enable 5G connectivity and build on smartphone technology to deliver performance and efficiency to 4G and 5G cellular-connected thin and light fanless laptops.

Sophos Intercept X is designed to protect advanced computing systems and endpoints, stopping cybersecurity threats with deep learning AI and anti-ransomware capabilities.

During a time when cybersecurity incidents are at an all time high, this unification enables a connected, interactive computing environment that combines smartphone and PC technology to deliver security capabilities and opportunities, the company states.

By combining the deep learning AI and anti-ransomware capabilities of Sophos Intercept X with the modern architecture and predictive ability of the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, it brings next generation enterprise security to the PC environment.

Sophos Intercept X will also:

• Leverage Connected Standby for continuous communication with a fleet of Snapdragon powered PCs, so that security investigations have fewer unknowns as data wont be missed due to devices being offline
• Use AI acceleration through the Qualcomm AI Engine to compile increasingly AI-dependent software real-time on device with optimisations to run faster and more power efficiently, which is important when devices are running on a battery
• Harness the hardware-level root of trust to ascertain device and cryptographic integrity in order to create strong identity bindings

Sophos expects Intercept X for Snapdragon compute platforms to be available in the second half of 2021.

Sophos chief technology officer Joe Levy says, "An always on, always connected, interactive computing environment that combines smartphone and PC technology delivers unique security capabilities and opportunities.

"Mobile devices historically have experienced far fewer security incidents than PCs powered by traditional architectures.

"It's certainly not because they aren't ubiquitous, but rather because of their modern architecture that offers overall predictability relative to PCs, enabling application vendors to design high-performance and secure software.

Levy says, "Snapdragon compute platforms mark a major step forward because they provide all the utility and performance of a PC, but with many of the benefits associated with modern mobile computing devices.

"Security loves predictability, and Sophos is excited to be a part of securing this next-generation computing platform."

Qualcomm Technologies senior director of product management Miguel Nunes says, "Now, in addition to enabling always on, always connected PC experiences, our 5G-enabled Snapdragon compute platforms bring next-generation security innovation rooted in our advanced AI and 5G connectivity capabilities.

"By working with Sophos, we are taking on-device security to a new level by enhancing their industry-leading endpoint protection with AI accelerated threat detection on our solutions.

"We're excited for Sophos to transform computing with next-generation enterprise-grade security on 5G powered Snapdragon compute platforms."