Lenovo Launches ThinkShield Firmware Assurance for Deep Protection Above and Below the Operating System

Rhea-AI Summary

Lenovo has launched ThinkShield Firmware Assurance, a new enterprise-grade cybersecurity solution that provides protection below the operating system through Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). The solution enables deep visibility and component-level protection using a dedicated embedded controller for platform root of trust during boot time. ThinkShield offers comprehensive security features including supply chain assurance, below-OS protection, and OS-to-cloud security management, helping organizations prevent unauthorized software and firmware installations while providing automatic BIOS policy recovery.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative security solution addressing critical below-OS vulnerabilities
• Implementation of Zero Trust Architecture enhancing enterprise security
• Unique market position as one of few OEMs offering supply chain assurance with Intel and AMD
• Quick deployment capability improving IT fleet management efficiency

Negative

• None.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Lenovo^TM announced the introduction of ThinkShield Firmware Assurance as part of its portfolio of enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions. ThinkShield Firmware Assurance is one of the only computer OEM solutions to enable deep visibility and protection below the operating system (OS) by embracing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) component-level visibility to generate more accurate and actionable risk management insights.

As a security paradigm, ZTA explicitly identifies users and devices to grant appropriate levels of access so a business can operate with less risk and minimal friction. ZTA is a critical framework to reduce risk as organizations endeavor to complete Zero-Trust implementations.

Visibility and Protection

Gartner predicts that by 2026, only 10% of large enterprises will have a mature and measurable Zero-Trust program in place, up from less than 1% in 2023ⁱ. Due to a lack of visibility of device components that can become an even bigger problem in a hybrid work environment, organizations often struggle to determine the level of risk originating from their hardware and firmware. The inclusion of ThinkShield Firmware Assurance makes enterprise PCs and the networks they serve more secure by design and helps fulfill ZTA goals.

ThinkShield Firmware Assurance provides governance of critical components with detailed attestation measurements that can be analyzed and risk-scored so that every device is set with its assigned trust level. Different from third-party software-based endpoint security approaches, ThinkShield Firmware Assurance uses a dedicated embedded controller (EC) that attests critical components and configuration during boot time to provide platform root of trust.

ThinkShield Firmware Assurance can be deployed quickly so IT teams can have better visibility of their PC fleets and networks more quickly and efficiently. With this new security solution, organizations can help prevent software and firmware components from being installed unless signed with recognized and approved certificates. In addition, unauthorized changes in BIOS policies can be prevented while providing automatic recovery of BIOS policies.

“Lenovo’s continued innovation in computing is delivering on its commitment to enable smarter AI for all, and cybersecurity is one of the most critical elements to how and where AI is adopted. This is a key driver in why we focused on supply chain, below-OS, and above-OS security,” said Nima Baiati, Executive Director & GM, Commercial Cybersecurity Solutions, Lenovo. “ThinkShield Firmware Assurance is a unique solution designed to help customers better manage and mitigate risk with more insight and confidence.”

Secure by Design

ThinkShield is Lenovo’s portfolio of security solutions comprising hardware, software, and services. The portfolio for comprehensive end-to-end security provides advanced solutions in the forms of built-in platform security and device protection, threat and data protection, and security management tools that help protect critical business information. From the factory floor straight to customers’ hands, ThinkShield keeps devices more safe and secure.

ThinkShield addresses every level of protection and security, including:

• Supply Chain Assurance: Lenovo is one of the first and only PC OEMs with a supply chain assurance solution built with Intel and AMD enabling customers to validate hardware components in devices against tampering from the factory floor straight to their employees’ hands.
• Below-the-Operating System: ThinkShield built-in solutions cover hardware, firmware, operating system and cloud to defend against hardware attacks, help ensure firmware integrity and provide real-time alerts for any attack attempts.
• Operation System-to-Cloud: offering security management that includes AI-powered endpoint protection, work from anywhere protection, remote management, cloud backup, password-less authentication, data defense, patented solution to protect browser, email and file explorer and an automated BIOS patching solution.

ThinkShield Firmware Assurance is available now in markets worldwide. For more information about Lenovo cybersecurity solutions visit the ThinkShield website.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

LENOVO and THINKSHIELD are trademarks of Lenovo. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, EPYC, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2024 Lenovo

ⁱ Gartner – Press Release: Gartner Predicts 10% of Large Enterprises Will Have a Mature and Measurable Zero-Trust Program in Place by 2026

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120693451/en/

Bill Adams

wii@lenovo.com

Source: Lenovo

FAQ

What is Lenovo ThinkShield Firmware Assurance and when was it launched?

ThinkShield Firmware Assurance is Lenovo's new enterprise-grade cybersecurity solution that provides below-OS protection using Zero Trust Architecture. It was launched in 2024 and is available worldwide.

How does Lenovo (LNVGY) ThinkShield Firmware Assurance protect enterprise PCs?

It uses a dedicated embedded controller for platform root of trust, prevents unauthorized software/firmware installations, and provides automatic BIOS policy recovery while enabling component-level visibility.

What are the key security features of Lenovo's (LNVGY) ThinkShield portfolio?

ThinkShield includes supply chain assurance, below-OS protection, and OS-to-cloud security management, covering hardware, firmware, operating system, and cloud security.