10 future-ready security features of the Dell Pro 5 that growing businesses can rely on

TL;DR

• Security may be essential, but it is often overlooked during laptop selection – an oversight that can lead to significant risks down the line
• The Dell Pro 5 is built for the security demands of modern workplaces
• Security features of the Dell Pro 5 range from physical security, like Kensington Lock and privacy filter, to data security features such as a fingerprint reader, hardware-level encryption, and built-in hardware-based security for passwords
• The Dell Pro 5 is the daily driver for everyday workloads, while its sister, the Dell Pro 7, is the lightweight portable option – both deliver great security
• The security features don’t stop there: Dell also includes remote management features and BIOS-level security to avoid supply chain breaches

When selecting laptops for your workforce, it can be tempting to focus primarily on specifications; however, for a growing business, security must be given equal consideration alongside other features.

In a world where security threats can be diverse and pervasive, choosing a laptop like the Dell Pro 5 that offers a suite of strong security tools alongside work-ready hardware is a savvy move.

With the latest Intel and AMD processors and a range of configurations to suit various workforces, Dell Pro 5 laptops also come filled with security features that can help keep your business secure as you focus on pursuing growth.

With that in mind, here are ten security features you’ll find in the Dell Pro 5 series laptops.

1. A proprietary Kensington Lock slot

Dell Pro laptops use the proprietary wedge-shaped Kensington N17 Keyed Laptop Lock, an industry-standard hardware security feature that provides an anchor point for a high-strength cable with a Kensington lock attachment. This allows users to physically secure their laptop to a robust anchor point, meaning even employees with access to sensitive information can work remotely and keep their Dell Pro 5 laptop safe from theft.

2. A privacy filter solution

Dell Pro 5 laptops have the option of built-in privacy out of the box. These LCD displays limit the viewing angles on a screen, meaning only users viewing the laptop head-on can see what’s on it; would-be shoulder surfers will just see a dark display. This means workers can confidently access private documents and information while working in the field or on the move, without the worry of leaking information to opportunistic criminals.

3. Deep built-in encryption

If a Dell Pro series laptop gets stolen, built-in encryption at a hardware level, including full-disk encryption, can keep any sensitive business information stored on the device locked down. BitLocker via Windows also provides the means to lock down data at the hardware level and scramble information on a drive with AES encryption that’s automatically tied to decryption keys on a laptop’s trusted platform module chip. This means that things like USB flash drives can be encrypted to only work with trusted laptops, while stolen laptops or hard drives removed from them will need a BitLocker recovery key to access secured data.

4. Hardware-based credential storage

Protect the “keys to the kingdom”: end-user credentials. Dell Pro 5 laptops have ControlVault 3+ (CV3+), a hardware-based secure vault for sensitive information like security codes, biometrics, and passwords, separating them from the software layer of Windows 11, helping reduce the risk of theft by malware and other attacks.

5. Access to TPM 2.0 security

TPM 2.0 was introduced with Windows 11 and works by using a physical security chip located on a computer’s motherboard or integrated into its CPU. This is where BitLocker encryption keys are stored and plays a key role in keeping Windows 11 machines secure at a software and hardware level. While Windows 11 no longer requires computers to have access to a TPM module, Dell Pro series laptops have TPM 2.0 built in as standard, allowing organizations to embrace the heightened security Windows offers.

6. A built-in fingerprint reader

Biometric security is more secure than potentially easy-to-guess or brute-force passwords and is more convenient in daily use when logging into a laptop that’s been woken from its sleep mode or to approve a security check. Given their professional focus, it’s logical that you can get Dell Pro laptops with fingerprint readers, which offer secure yet convenient physical security, meaning your employees can focus on getting things done rather than worry about security and remembering multiple passwords.

7. Secure software from leading partners

Security takes a village. For that reason and to help simplify your procurement process, Dell offers partner software for the Dell Pro 5 family “on the box”, i.e. add software at time of PC purchase. These purpose-built software solutions add additional layers of protection to keep your PCs and end users safe from cybersecurity threats. Notably, these laptops come with next-generation antivirus protection provided via CrowdStrike, which uses AI to block malware and sophisticated threats like fileless attacks, while not disrupting the day-to-day performance of the laptops.

Dell laptops also have access to Halcyon’s AI-powered anti-ransomware platform, built to stop data loss and downtime from ransomware attacks. They also have access to Absolute Security, which offers resilience and self-healing capabilities if a malicious actor tries to remove it or reformat a Dell Pro laptop.

8. BIOS-level visibility and PC telemetry

Dell Pro 5 laptops have advanced security built into their BIOS. Together, Dell SafeBIOS and the Dell Trusted Device Application can detect and prevent attacks “below the OS”, an area that many sophisticated attackers target today and where traditional software solutions can’t reach. To ensure overall resilience, Dell aims to provide visibility and control at the deepest layers of the device to help keep your PCs protected while in use.

What’s more, Dell Trusted Device telemetry enables integrations with software partners CrowdStrike and Absolute to help close the IT and security gap that many organizations face today.

9. Robust remote management and device control

With access to a variety of security tools, Dell Pro 5 laptops also offer IT departments robust remote management and control. Notably, the Dell Management Portal offers a cloud-based service for IT to manage laptops from a centralized point. The service also offers visibility into devices deployed across a business, so IT can handle device updates as well as security policies that may vary depending on the laptops being used.

This unified view of a fleet of laptops can help IT teams improve standardization of policies and security settings across deployed machines. It also helps address specific user support needs – such as system errors or the need to apply important updates – all from a single dashboard.

10. Supply chain security

The above security tools and integrations and the ability to detect BIOS-level tampering mean Dell can radically reduce the risk that Pro 5 laptops might carry rogue hardware modules or elements that could pose security threats to your business.

Dell’s own Secured Component Verification capability lets customers check the manifest of their product order against the original manifest to ensure that the laptop they’ve ordered has been built and configured as intended and not been tampered with.

This means you can be confident and reassured that professional-grade laptops ordered from Dell will be secure even before you’ve opened the box and started deploying them across your business.

Dell Pro 5 laptops offer security front and center even before they've reached your company. Combine these security capabilities with employee training and strong cybersecurity hygiene. This formula will help you focus on scaling your business.

If you think Dell Pro is the right choice for your business, find out more on the Dell website: US readers click here, and CA readers here.

And there’s one more thing to know before you buy: Dell offers a price match guarantee. To learn more about the Dell price match and price guarantee, including the terms, exclusions and restrictions, US readers can click here and CA readers here.