IT Brief Ireland - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers
Flux result 653745cd fa87 44ba b93f 3c0def9ce4e6

HP unveils AI security tools for workplace PCs & printers

Wed, 25th Mar 2026

HP has unveiled a new range of commercial devices and security tools centred on artificial intelligence, including new protections for workplace PCs and printers.

The updates span laptops, workstations, print hardware and device management software, with a focus on on-device AI, hardware security and fleet administration for corporate customers.

One of the main launches is HP TPM Guard, a hardware and firmware measure designed to stop so-called TPM bus attacks. These attacks target the link between a Trusted Platform Module and a CPU and can be used to bypass BitLocker drive encryption when an attacker has physical access to a device.

TPM Guard creates an encrypted connection between the TPM and the processor and cryptographically binds the module to the device, preventing it from being removed, tampered with or used elsewhere. HP says the measure addresses a security weakness that has affected encrypted PCs used by businesses and public sector organisations.

"PCs already hold huge amounts of sensitive information, and new multi-media AI applications are pushing more sensitive workloads to the edge. The security of the underlying PC platform is ever more critical in securing the Future of Work. While BitLocker has previously been relied upon to protect data, today an attacker with a couple of hours of training and a $20 hardware kit can bypass that protection," said Dr. Ian Pratt, VP, Security & Commercial Systems CTO, Personal Systems, HP Inc.

"Working closely with our silicon partners, HP has developed a hardware and firmware solution that prevents this entire class of threat, delivering the stronger protection customers have been asking for," Pratt said. "This solves an industry-wide problem and will be relevant for all businesses, particularly those in regulated industries, government, and other organizations that manage highly sensitive information on their PCs and need to take every precaution to safeguard their data."

AI on device

Alongside the security release, HP introduced HP IQ, a software layer intended to bring local AI functions to its commercial PCs and workplace devices. The system is designed to run tasks on the device rather than in the cloud, with features including text and voice prompts, file analysis, searchable notes and meeting assistance.

HP IQ will first appear on the next generation of HP EliteBook X G2 AI PCs and can be deployed through the Workforce Experience Platform or enterprise tools such as Microsoft Intune. HP is also adding HP NearSense, described as spatial intelligence for discovering and connecting nearby devices, including file sharing between PCs and one-click joining of conference room meetings.

Bruce Broussard, interim chief executive officer of HP Inc., linked the product set to broader changes in office and hybrid working patterns. "As we look ahead, the Future of Work is about making work simpler in a world that's getting more complex. At HP, we're focused on using AI to create more connected experiences that help organizations move faster and help people do their best work," he said. "At HP Imagine 2026, we're showing how that comes to life through solutions that work together, securely and seamlessly, so our customers can do their best work wherever work happens."

HP is also updating its commercial PC portfolio with the EliteBook 6 G2q, a new AI PC aimed at mobile workers and office staff. The model includes local AI processing, 5G connectivity and physical intrusion detection that shuts down the device and protects memory if the chassis is opened.

Wolf updates

HP is extending the HP Wolf Security portfolio with tighter links to the Workforce Experience Platform. Additions include integration between Wolf Controller and WXP, broader Sure Recover support, centralised security log collection and a next-generation Wolf Connect cellular card intended to improve accuracy while reducing power use.

This reflects a wider effort by vendors to combine endpoint protection, device telemetry and remote management in single administrative systems. For IT departments, the appeal is lower operating complexity across mixed fleets of laptops, desktops and peripherals.

Printer security

In print, HP is widening the use of quantum-resistant cryptography in its LaserJet range. The LaserJet Pro 4000 and 4100 Series are aimed at smaller businesses, while the LaserJet Enterprise 5000 and 6000 Series target larger organisations with heavier print and scanning volumes.

The enterprise models ship with protection against attacks that could emerge from quantum computing and include automated guided redaction to identify and remove sensitive information such as personal or financial data. The range also includes AI-based document processing features intended to reduce manual handling of scanned files.

The broader announcement also covered new Z workstations for AI development and technical computing, updates to mobile ZBook systems and new tools in the Workforce Experience Platform, including AI-generated remediation paths, custom telemetry reporting and carbon footprint reporting.

HP has also submitted a proposal to the Trusted Computing Group to contribute TPM Guard technology as an industry standard.