Old IT Systems Are Costing UK SMEs — Here’s How AI PCs Can Help
Falling behind on updates isn’t just inefficient—it’s a growing security risk for UK SMEs. AI-powered PCs offer a smarter way to stay protected without the cost or complexity of a full in-house IT team.
Why outdated IT systems put UK SMEs at risk
While many UK SMEs are focused on defending against external cyber attacks, the danger starts from within: outdated operating systems. According to the ASUS Harnessing the Potential of AI PCs: A Global Insight Report , nearly half of business leaders say keeping systems up to date is a major IT challenge, a concern shared by many UK SMEs, especially those without dedicated IT support.
With Windows 10 end-of-life-support having now passed, businesses delaying updates risk unpatched vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and degraded performance.
Why UK SMEs delay IT updates and what it's costing them
74% of leaders globally agree that businesses without dedicated IT support are less likely to stay on top of system updates, a reality that affects many UK SMEs today. For lean teams, system maintenance often gets pushed aside, creating gaps that modern threats can easily exploit. Even confident SMEs 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, making it ideal for UK SMEs that want advanced protection without enterprise-level overhead. With optional support for ASUS Control Center, teams can monitor, update, and secure systems from a centralised 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.
How AI automation is transforming cybersecurity for UK SMEs
Today’s threats move fast, and it’s clear that manual patching and reactive maintenance can no longer keep up with the pace. UK SMEs need systems that can detect, respond, and adapt in real time, even without a full-time IT department. 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 Bioses automatically restores system integrity after disruptions, reducing downtime and minimising the need for manual intervention. These intelligent features empower SMEs to maintain strong, consistent security—even without a full-time IT team—so they can focus on growth with confidence.
Always-on security that supports growing UK businesses
SMBs need protection that doesn’t interrupt productivity. As UK businesses grow, they need protection that integrates seamlessly into daily operations, 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, offering a smart, space-saving solution for hybrid and remote teams in the UK. As an all-in-one solution, it combines a sleek design with enterprise-grade security features like Bioses-level protection, a retractable camera, and AI-powered noise-cancelling technology.
Outdated systems are the biggest risk
There’s a lingering myth that cyber attacks only target large enterprises. But in the UK, small businesses are increasingly being targeted by opportunistic attacks. That’s why more than half of SME leaders globally now rank data security and compliance amongst their top IT concerns, a priority also reflected among UK SMEs navigating stricter data regulations.
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 Bioses, 5-years of ASUS Bioses 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 UK SMEs 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 UK SMEs, delaying system upgrades doesn't slow threats down, it opens the door to them. By investing in modern, AI-powered business PCs, UK SMEs can reduce operational strain and stay focused on what matters most: growing their business securely.
Discover how AI PCs are shaping the future of UK SME cyber security, download the ASUS Business white paper today.