HP Sure Sense

HP Sure Sense. It is a proprietary deep learning-based antivirus software solution developed by HP Inc. for its commercial and enterprise-grade personal computers. First introduced in 2019, the technology is designed to provide an additional layer of protection against never-before-seen malware and sophisticated zero-day attacks by analyzing file behavior in real-time. It represents a key component of the broader HP Sure Click ecosystem within the company's HP Wolf Security business portfolio, aiming to fortify endpoints against evolving cyber threat landscapes.

Overview

Developed by the security researchers at HP Inc., this application was created to address the limitations of traditional signature-based detection methods used by conventional antivirus software. It forms an integral part of the security features available on select HP EliteBook, HP ProBook, and HP ZBook mobile workstations. The initiative is part of a larger strategic push within the information technology sector, exemplified by competitors like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne, to adopt artificial intelligence for preemptive threat hunting. Its deployment is often managed alongside other enterprise solutions from vendors like VMware and Microsoft.

Features and capabilities

The core capability centers on using a locally stored deep learning model to scrutinize executable files, including those from Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF formats, for malicious intent without requiring a cloud connection. This enables it to block novel ransomware and fileless malware attacks that might bypass protections from McAfee or Symantec. The software integrates with the existing Windows Security center, providing a consolidated view of threats, and can be configured and monitored through management consoles like Microsoft Intune. A notable feature is its minimal performance impact, as claimed by HP Inc., ensuring productivity on devices used for intensive applications from Autodesk or Dassault Systèmes.

Technology and operation

At its technical foundation, the system employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on a massive dataset of benign and malicious software samples. This model, embedded directly on the device's solid-state drive, performs behavioral analysis by examining the API calls and execution patterns of processes in real-time, a method conceptually aligned with technologies from Cylance. Unlike cloud-dependent services from Palo Alto Networks, it operates offline, making it effective in environments with restricted internet access. The deep learning engine is updated periodically via HP Image Assistant or Windows Update to recognize new attack methodologies observed by global teams, including those at the MITRE Corporation.

System requirements and compatibility

The software is exclusively available on specific HP Inc. hardware platforms pre-installed with a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows 10 or later Pro editions. Compatible product lines primarily include business-focused series such as the HP Elite Dragonfly and select HP Z by HP mobile workstations. It requires systems with a modern Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor, a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, and adequate storage space for the local AI model. Management typically requires integration with an enterprise environment supported by tools like Microsoft Azure or VMware Workspace ONE, and it is not offered as a standalone consumer product through retailers like Best Buy.

Reception and impact

Upon its release, the technology received attention from industry analysts at firms like IDC and Gartner, who noted its innovative approach to leveraging on-device AI for security. It has been recognized in reports from Forrester Research discussing the evolution of endpoint detection and response (EDR). Within the cybersecurity community, it is often cited as part of a growing trend toward predictive analytics in combating threats, a space also occupied by Darktrace. The impact includes its adoption by various organizations seeking to harden their IT infrastructure against attacks like WannaCry, contributing to the broader narrative of HP Inc.'s investment in its HP Wolf Security division.

Category:Antivirus software Category:HP Inc. software Category:Windows security software Category:2019 software