Outdated Systems Are Putting SMBs at Risk — Here’s How AI PCs Can Help
Falling behind on updates isn’t just inefficient—it’s a security risk. AI-powered PCs offer a smarter way to stay protected without the IT overhead.
Outdated Systems and Hardware in the Face of New Threats
While many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are focused on defending against external cyberattacks, the danger starts from within: outdated operating systems. According to the ASUS 2025 Future of SMB Report, nearly half of SMB leaders say keeping systems up to date is one of their biggest IT challenges, especially when most small businesses may not have dedicated IT teams working around the clock.
As platforms like Windows 10 reach end-of-support before the end of 2025, businesses that delay updates are exposing themselves to unpatched vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and performance degradation. And with only 40% of SMBs being truly proactive about updates, the risk is growing.
Why Updates Fall Behind and What It Costs
74% of SMB leaders agree that businesses without dedicated IT teams are less likely to keep their operating systems up to date. For lean teams, system maintenance often gets pushed aside, creating gaps that modern threats can easily exploit. Even confident SMBs struggle to maintain consistency. And in today’s fast-paced digital environment, even short delays can lead to long-term consequences.
That’s where the ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405) steps in. This compact powerhouse combines reliability with AI-enhanced security and remote manageability, with the support of an optional Intel vPro Platform. With optional support for ASUS Control Center, teams can monitor, update, and secure systems from a centralized dashboard. That significantly enhances efficiency and simplifies operations for the in-house IT team. It’s a feature-rich solution that helps businesses stay agile, protected, and ahead of the curve. As platforms like Windows 10 approach end-of-support before the end of 2025, countless older devices are eligible for Windows 11 upgrades. This makes refreshing to a modern device a critical necessity—and a perfect time to make the leap to ASUS AI PCs for comprehensive protection and performance.
Automation is the New Standard for Security
Today’s threats move fast, and it’s clear that manual patching and reactive maintenance can no longer keep up with the pace. SMBs need systems that can detect, respond, and adapt in real time. With built-in intelligence, these systems help businesses shift from reactive fixes to proactive protection.
ASUS AI PCs running Windows 11 Pro, like the ASUS ExpertBook P3 (PM3606), are purpose-built for this proactive approach. Designed for hybrid and remote work environments, it features AI-powered diagnostics that continuously monitor system health and detect anomalies before they escalate. Its self-healing BIOS automatically restores system integrity after disruptions, reducing downtime and minimizing the need for manual intervention. These intelligent features empower SMBs to maintain strong, consistent security—even without a full-time IT team—so they can focus on growth with confidence.
Security That Works in the Background
SMBs need protection that doesn’t interrupt productivity. As the business scales they need protection that integrates seamlessly into their workflows, allowing teams to stay focused on their next opportunity for growth without being bogged down by alerts or manual interventions. The goal is simple: security that’s always on, but never in the way.
ASUS’s AI PCs deliver real-time protection, automated diagnostics, and intelligent threat detection that runs quietly in the background. The ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO (P470VA) exemplifies this approach. As an all-in-one solution, it combines sleek, space-saving design with enterprise-grade security features like BIOS-level protection, a retractable camera, and AI-powered noise-canceling technology.
Outdated Systems Are The Biggest Risk
There’s a lingering myth that cyberattacks only target large enterprises. But cybercriminals don’t care about how big businesses are; they care about how easy it is to get in. And outdated systems are often the weakest link. Today’s threats are automated and opportunistic, designed to exploit any vulnerability they find. That’s why more than half of SMB leaders now rank data security and compliance among their top IT concerns.
Fortunately, modern technology is helping to close this gap. The ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1503) AI PC is built with enterprise-grade security features such as TPM 2.0 encryption, ASUS Business Manager tools, and ASUS ExpertGuardian—available on all ASUS Expert Series devices—which shields your critical data with all-around protection from software and firmware to hardware. Engineered with a commercial-grade and NIST SP 800-155 compliant BIOS, 5-years of ASUS BIOS and driver update support, and integrated biometric login with FIDO authentication, this suite of security features offers extra security to protect all sensitive information on your device. These safeguards also help SMBs close the gap between intention and execution, offering reliable, scalable protection without the enterprise costs.
Modern Security Starts with Modern Systems
Staying secure takes more than good intentions—it requires smart tools, regular updates, and right-sized support. For SMBs, putting off updates doesn’t slow threats down—it opens the door to them. By investing in modern, AI-powered devices, SMBs can close security gaps, reduce operational strain, and stay focused on what matters most: growing their business.
Discover how AI PCs are shaping the future of SMB cyber defense—explore the ASUS Business white paper today.