Microsoft Surface devices have gained popularity for their speed and user-friendly features. The latest models have strengthened their security measures, protecting from chip to cloud. Let’s explore how Microsoft achieves this by combining intelligent technologies and a smart cloud, providing comprehensive security for Surface devices.
Unleashing the Power of Microsoft 365 and Surface:
According to research conducted by Forrester, businesses that have embraced the combination of Microsoft 365 and Surface devices have experienced remarkable benefits. Over a three-year period, these organizations have witnessed a cumulative gain of over $21 million, while their costs amounted to $9.9 million, resulting in an exceptional return on investment (ROI) of 112%.
This substantial ROI can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Microsoft 365, a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, and Surface devices, renowned for their speed and user-friendly features. By leveraging the seamless integration between Microsoft 365 and Surface, businesses have been able to enhance their operational efficiency and empower their workforce.
The amalgamation of Microsoft 365’s robust cloud-based applications, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams, with the cutting-edge hardware and software capabilities of Surface devices has revolutionized the way organizations operate. Employees can seamlessly collaborate, communicate, and access critical information, regardless of their location, fostering productivity and accelerating business processes.
The Forrester study underscores the tangible advantages that businesses have derived from this powerful combination. By leveraging the advanced security features, intuitive interfaces, and top-notch performance of Surface devices, employees are better equipped to tackle their daily tasks with efficiency and ease. Furthermore, the integration with Microsoft 365’s cloud services ensures seamless data synchronization, enabling real-time collaboration and enhancing productivity across teams and departments.
One key aspect that contributes to the impressive ROI is the holistic security approach provided by Microsoft’s chip-to-cloud security features. Surface devices equipped with Pluton processors offer enhanced hardware-level security, protecting against malicious attacks and safeguarding sensitive data. Additionally, the firmware and operating system layers provide multiple layers of defense, utilizing virtualization-based security and code integrity measures to ensure the integrity of the device and mitigate potential risks.
The successful implementation of Microsoft 365 and Surface devices has transformed how businesses operate, enabling them to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Not only have organizations experienced financial gains, but they have also witnessed improved employee satisfaction and engagement. The user-friendly nature of Surface devices, combined with the powerful productivity tools of Microsoft 365, has empowered employees to work more efficiently, collaborate seamlessly, and unlock their full potential.
The exceptional ROI achieved by businesses utilizing Microsoft 365 and Surface devices reaffirms the strategic advantage of this technology combination. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation and prioritize security, Microsoft remains at the forefront, providing innovative solutions that drive productivity, enhance collaboration, and fortify data protection.
Autonomous Protection for Efficient Work:
Mobile device attacks pose a clear and present danger to individuals and organizations alike. While there has been a decrease in the overall number of attacks in 2021, the level of sophistication displayed by these malicious actors has increased significantly. This evolving threat landscape presents a significant challenge, as highlighted by Eric Veal, Microsoft’s Senior Technology Strategist.
According to Veal, the need for devices to be intelligent goes beyond just being fast and efficient. In an era where cyber threats are becoming more advanced and persistent, it is crucial for devices to possess robust security measures that can autonomously protect against potential attacks. Microsoft recognizes this need and has developed a comprehensive approach to security that emphasizes the advantages of intelligent technologies and a smart cloud.
Microsoft’s smart cloud infrastructure plays a vital role in bolstering the security of Surface devices. The smart cloud continuously analyzes data from various sources, including threat intelligence feeds and user behavior patterns, to identify potential security risks. This proactive approach enables the cloud to provide real-time threat assessments and deliver the necessary security updates and patches to Surface devices, further enhancing their resilience against evolving threats.
Microsoft’s commitment to autonomous protection extends beyond the individual device level. The intelligent edge application capabilities of Surface devices, coupled with the smart cloud infrastructure, contribute to a holistic security ecosystem. This ecosystem not only safeguards individual devices but also creates a collective defense mechanism where threat intelligence is shared and continuously updated across the network, providing enhanced protection against emerging threats.
Changing the Game with Chip-to-Cloud Security:
The chip-to-cloud security feature takes the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with 5G beyond basic protection to provide comprehensive device security. Simply put, it encompasses security layers incorporated into the hardware, firmware, operating system, and the cloud:
Hardware:
The hardware layer includes the Pluton processor, nestled within the CPU, which enables secure protocols to be written into the silicon. It also brings significant benefits to services such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support. These modules help ensure platform integrity, offering disk encryption and secure password storage. However, depending on the chipset architecture, TPM can introduce unintended risks. Veal states, “When TPM is separate on the board, there’s a bus between the chip and the processor that can be attacked,” referring to the physical connection between the chip and the processor that can create vulnerabilities. “Pluton takes that away,” he adds.
Firmware:
Here, Microsoft’s Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) integrates critical features such as Secure Boot to verify platform integrity. Meanwhile, Surface Enterprise Management Mode aids administrators in efficiently managing devices across the organization.
Operating System:
Surface’s built-in protective measures within the operating system include virtualization-based security (VBS) and code integrity protected by hypervisor-based VBS. VBS allows Windows’ virtualization engine to create isolated memory regions from the standard operating system, reducing the risk of data compromise. Additionally, code integrity protected by the Hypervisor, a VBS feature, ensures kernel integrity and limits the types of kernel memory allocations available.
Cloud:
Finally, Surface’s security extends into the cloud with solutions like Microsoft Defender and Surface Management Port. Microsoft Defender provides frontline anti-malware support, while the Surface Management Port enables self-servicing, monitoring, and management of Surface devices across the organization.
Maximizing ROI with Surface Devices:
Microsoft is also taking steps to make its Surface devices more sustainable by facilitating easier repair and part replacement. For example, replaceable parts for the Surface Pro 9 include solid-state drives, SSD doors, batteries, charging ports, thermal modules, and motherboards.
Veal emphasizes, “A device is a combination of parts. It’s not an atomic unit. Some of those parts can fail or break.” Microsoft is transitioning from an exchange-only model to a more repairable and maintainable product line, maximizing ROI for users and aligning with their sustainable goals.
Surface devices offer more than just impressive performance and reliable ROI for businesses. They encompass a comprehensive security framework that spans from chip to cloud, minimizing risks at every level. Furthermore, Microsoft’s commitment to repairability initiatives ensures that sustainability goals are achieved without compromising the robust protection provided.
The chip-to-cloud security approach adopted by Microsoft for Surface devices addresses the evolving threat landscape, where cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated. By incorporating security measures at the hardware, firmware, operating system, and cloud levels, Surface devices provide end-to-end protection against potential vulnerabilities. The hardware layer, with the inclusion of the Pluton processor, ensures that security protocols are embedded in the silicon itself, mitigating risks associated with physical connections and enhancing the overall integrity of the device.
Surface: More Than Meets the Eye:
At first glance, Microsoft Surface devices captivate with their impressive performance. However, beneath their sleek exteriors lies a comprehensive security framework that extends from chip to cloud. With a focus on end-to-end protection, Surface devices minimize risks and safeguard sensitive data. Additionally, Microsoft’s commitment to repairability initiatives ensures that sustainability goals are achieved without compromising the robust security provided. Surface truly transcends expectations, offering a powerful combination of performance, security, and environmental responsibility.
