CrowdStrike and Intel Expand Partnership to Accelerate On-Device AI Security for Next-Gen PCs

CrowdStrike is expanding its partnership with Intel to run its Falcon security platform directly on the AI chips (NPUs) in new AI PCs.

This move makes security faster and more private by processing threats on the device itself, significantly reducing reliance on the cloud and the computer's main processor.

The partnership is driven by the rise of AI PCs and the increasing speed of cyberattacks, creating a strong business case for both companies in the competitive tech landscape.

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CrowdStrike has deepened its strategic partnership with Intel to embed its security technology directly into the next generation of AI PCs.

In simple terms, this means CrowdStrike's security software, the Falcon platform, will now use the specialized AI processors (NPUs) inside Intel-powered computers to do its job. This is a significant shift. Previously, security tasks would heavily use the computer's main brain (the CPU) or send data to the cloud for analysis. By offloading these tasks to the NPU, the CPU's workload for a security scan can drop from around 20% to less than 1%. This makes security checks faster, more efficient, and less likely to slow down your computer.

So, why is this happening now? There are three key drivers. First, the technology is ready. Microsoft's new 'Copilot+ PC' standard requires powerful NPUs, making on-device AI a mainstream feature. Intel's latest chips, like Lunar Lake, meet this standard, providing the necessary hardware. Second, the threat landscape has changed. According to CrowdStrike's latest report, cybercriminals are moving much faster, with the average 'breakout time'—the time from initial compromise to moving freely within a network—down to just 29 minutes. This demands real-time, on-the-spot protection that on-device AI can provide.

Finally, the business incentives are aligned. CrowdStrike is performing well financially, with its Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growing to $5.25 billion. This success gives it the resources to invest in deep engineering partnerships. For Intel, integrating advanced security directly into its silicon is a powerful way to differentiate its AI PCs from competitors like AMD and Qualcomm. It transforms security from an add-on to a core feature of the hardware.

Ultimately, this collaboration points to the future of cybersecurity. Instead of just reacting to threats after they've been sent to the cloud, security is becoming proactive and embedded directly into the devices we use every day, making them faster, more private, and fundamentally more secure.

NPU (Neural Processing Unit): A specialized processor designed to handle artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks efficiently, much like a GPU is designed for graphics.
On-device AI: The capability of running AI applications directly on a device, such as a smartphone or laptop, without needing to connect to the internet or a cloud server.
ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue): A key business metric for subscription-based companies, representing the total value of all recurring subscription revenue over a one-year period.