What Are Secure Core PCs?

Secure Core PCs are specialized industrial computing systems designed with hardware-based security at their foundation. This approach, often aligned with Microsoft's Secured-core PC initiative for Windows, integrates security directly into the processor, firmware, and hardware to protect against sophisticated firmware-level attacks, supply chain compromises, and unauthorized physical access. For industrial environments, this means creating a trusted computing base that is resilient even in harsh, unattended, or mission-critical settings.

Key Specifications and Security Features

True industrial Secure Core PCs incorporate multiple layers of protection. Critical specifications include Intel Core processors with vPro technology (featuring Intel Hardware Shield and Intel TDT) or ARM-based processors with TrustZone, which provide hardware-isolated execution environments. They utilize TPM 2.0 modules for secure cryptographic key storage and system integrity measurement. Firmware is often locked to prevent unauthorized flashing, and boot processes are secured with measured or verified boot. Physical security is enhanced through features like chassis intrusion detection, lockable ports, and tamper-evident seals.

Industrial Applications and Use Cases

These PCs are essential for sectors where operational technology (OT) security is paramount. Primary applications include:

• Industrial Control Systems (ICS) & SCADA: Protecting critical infrastructure in energy, water, and manufacturing from cyber-physical threats.

• Digital Signage & Kiosks: Securing public-facing terminals against malware and unauthorized configuration changes in retail, transportation, and hospitality.

• Edge Computing Gateways: Safeguarding data aggregation and processing at the network edge in smart factories and IIoT deployments.

• Healthcare & Laboratory Equipment: Ensuring compliance and data integrity for medical devices and diagnostic machines.

Thinvent's Secure Industrial Computing Solutions

Thinvent offers a range of robust computing platforms that embody the principles of hardware-rooted security suitable for industrial applications. Our product lines are built for reliability and resilience.

Industrial PC Series: Models like the IPC5 with Intel Core i5-1250P processors provide high performance with advanced Intel security features, including Hardware Shield, making them ideal for demanding control and automation tasks. The IPC3 with Intel Core i3-1215U offers a balanced solution for mid-range applications.

Ruggedized Mini PCs: For space-constrained or harsh environments, our fanless Treo and Aero Mini PCs with Intel N-series or Core processors deliver silent, reliable operation with secure boot capabilities and TPM support. The Micro series with ARM processors leverages Thinux™ Embedded Linux for a lightweight, secure, and manageable platform perfect for thin client and kiosk deployments.

All Thinvent systems can be configured with secure operating systems like Windows 11 IoT or Ubuntu Linux, providing a comprehensive, hardened solution for your most critical industrial workloads.