Innovation

Kaspersky created a Cyber Immune Thin Client as an endpoint device that does not require additional cybersecurity tools. It includes an operating system for thin clients based on the microkernel KasperskyOS, which is pre-installed on the hardware platform.

Thin Client is a portable small computer, which costs less than a laptop. Using a thin client, the user gains access to his virtual desktop, which is located on the server. Thus, most computing tasks and information storage are performed in the cloud. An important feature of the Kaspersky Thin Client is that it is secure by design.

According to information provided by Elena, Kaspersky Thin Client is one of the future trends to be used in the education area — at universities and schools. The customers will not need to backup the data regularly, because the data is stored in the cloud. Using thin clients, students can only connect to the required services. Thin clients allow to quickly deploy a learning environment for laboratory practice. They also have a relatively long service life, but if the device breaks down you can just buy a new one, which is not so costly as buying a new laptop.

The main prerequisite for creating such a product is a wish of the company to move from cyber security to Cyber Immunity. It means that the device will not need any antiviruses, if it is based on Kaspersky operating system, because it will be already secured. It is so called “built-in security”.

Due to its Cyber Immune operating system, KasperskyOS guarantees the integrity of data exchanged among users, remote desktops, the centralized management server, and connection and logging broker servers. It also facilitates certificate management and secure updates. The interface of Kaspersky Thin Client provides users and administrators with access to language and network settings, along with desktop display preferences.

Key features of the innovation:

● Quick deployment of thin client (from 2 minutes);

● High update speed thanks to compact OS image size;

● A single console for centralized management of Kaspersky security products;

● Updating via Kaspersky Security Center;

● Manage and monitor thin client infrastructure from anywhere in the corporate network;

● VDI connection, terminal connection, direct connection;

● Connect to remote desktops running Windows and Linux;

● Out-of-the-box device security thanks to KasperskyOS architecture;

● Efficient operation of thin client infrastructures is facilitated through centralized management of settings and operating system image updates on thin clients.

The innovation can be used in different spheres. For example, in the public sector, education, healthcare, industrial automation, energy, gas and oil, finance services, etc.

Inspiration

Kaspersky's corporate mission transcends the realm of technology, aspiring to forge a cyber-secure world where every user can confidently navigate the digital landscape enveloped in a shield of safety and protection. The bedrock of this ambitious goal lies in the unified dedication of employees, a collective force that propels the company towards innovative solutions in the cybersecurity domain.

Elena Sivenkova, at the helm of the KasperskyOS marketing department, articulates a personal and professional evolution tethered to a profound connection with her colleagues. She emphasizes a preference for collaboration with those who share common ideals, fostering an environment where ideas intertwine seamlessly with purposeful action.

Evgeniy Kaspersky's visionary outlook serves as a guiding beacon for the company's workforce, instilling inspiration that reverberates throughout the organization. This shared vision, a tapestry of collective aspirations, becomes the catalyst for pioneering initiatives in cybersecurity, exemplified by breakthroughs like the Kaspersky Thin Client.

Sivenkova amplifies this sentiment, expressing admiration for Evgeniy Kaspersky's ideas and vision. The prevailing mentality within the company reflects a deep-rooted belief that actively contributing to a safer and better world is a moral imperative. The ideology embedded in their mission transcends mere security measures; it seeks to construct a global sanctuary fortified by built-in security features.

Elena Sivenkova further underscores her alignment with this vision, embracing the opportunity to dedicate her professional life to a cause that transcends profit margins. Her commitment mirrors the broader ethos at Kaspersky, where individuals willingly channel their skills and energy towards endeavors that promise positive and transformative change. The collective determination at Kaspersky, fueled by a shared commitment to building a secure world, exemplifies a resolute pursuit of a better future through technological innovation and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of cybersecurity.

Overall impact

Kaspersky Thin Client is not just a product; it became a catalyst for multifaceted transformations, leaving an indelible mark on businesses, societies, and the environment.

Within the confines of business landscapes, the impact was profound and immediate. Efficiency and cost reduction emerged as the beacon guiding enterprises towards a new era. Thin client solutions wielded the power to centralize computing resources, rendering redundant the need for extensive hardware expenses. The streamlined IT management landscape witnessed a significant reduction in maintenance and support costs. As if painting a fortress against cyber threats, the enhanced security inherent in thin clients centralized data, shielding it from the vulnerabilities plaguing individual endpoints. A newfound flexibility unfurled its wings, allowing remote work and seamless access to applications and data, revolutionizing the very fabric of how businesses operated.

Beyond boardroom discussions and profit margins, society reaped the dividends of this innovation. Thin client solutions ushered in an era of improved technological accessibility, especially in resource-scarce regions. By mitigating the reliance on high-end computing equipment, it became a conduit for accessing vital information and technology. The recent shift towards remote work, enabled by thin client solutions, bore witness to an improved work-life balance, alleviating the stress of daily commutes and reshaping societal norms.

In the pursuit of technological advancement, Kaspersky Thin Client embarked on a mission of environmental stewardship. The small size and relative simplicity of thin clients heralded the promise of elongated hardware life cycles, signaling a significant reduction in electronic waste when compared to traditional PCs. The inherent energy efficiency of these systems contributed to a lower consumption of power, aligning with global efforts for environmental conservation.

Reflecting upon both short and long-term effects, the initial impact was marked by immediate cost savings, fortified security measures, and the necessary adjustments to integrate this innovative infrastructure. However, the enduring legacy promised sustained cost savings, amplified technological accessibility, potential environmental benefits due to reduced e-waste, and a societal acceptance and normalization of remote work culture.

Business benefit

Kaspersky's sustainable development behavior and wish to make the world a safer place absolutely impacts its business results. For corporate socially responsible companies it is crucial not to become philanthropy, but also to make profit.

Let’s see the market perspective of the thin client market. Kaspersky estimates that by the end of 2023, more than 5 million thin clients will be sold in the world for about $1.5 billion, and sales of virtual desktop solutions (VDI/DaaS) will reach $2.6 billion. In Russia, in 2023, the corresponding markets will amount to at least 3 billion rubles.

Also, there are some nonfinancial benefits that a company can get, when its policy is aligned with sustainable development. First of all, we should talk about a company's image and reputation, because nowadays there is a high awareness among consumers about sustainable development and responsible practices in business. And it is crucial for a huge number of customers to choose sustainable products especially when we are talking about the B2B market. Moreover, the sustainability approach helps Kaspersky to cooperate with other companies all over the world, to build strong relationships with them.

As we can see, this sustainable innovation benefits not only for global society, but also matches with the main goal of any company to be profitable and successful.

Social and environmental benefit

Kaspersky's strategic trajectory mirrors a discernible shift from reliance on physical to electronic media, signifying a conscientious effort to adapt to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Notably, the company is progressively reducing the production of physical products, aligning itself with the digital wave that characterizes contemporary technological advancements. This strategic pivot is not merely a business decision but resonates with broader sustainability goals, specifically echoing the ethos of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which emphasizes responsible consumption and production.

A salient exemplification of Kaspersky's commitment to electronic innovation is embodied in its Thin Client technology. The central tenet of this innovation lies in leveraging the cloud for data storage instead of local physical devices. This not only reflects a forward-looking approach to technology but also has significant implications for resource efficiency and environmental impact. A broader adoption of such cloud-centric solutions by developers holds the potential to be a pivotal contributor to SDG 12, fostering a more sustainable digital ecosystem by reducing the ecological footprint associated with physical product production and consumption.

Beyond the realm of cybersecurity, Kaspersky's innovations ripple into diverse sectors, echoing the interconnected nature of sustainable development. The company's endeavors contribute to the establishment of a secure information space, a critical foundation for safeguarding digital realms. Moreover, as previously highlighted, these innovations extend their utility to fields such as medicine, industry, retail, and energy. This versatility underscores the transformative potential of technology in addressing complex challenges across various domains, aligning with the objectives of SDG 9, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

In essence, Kaspersky's strategic evolution extends beyond a mere technological paradigm shift; it embodies a commitment to holistic sustainability. The company's emphasis on electronic solutions and cloud-based technologies not only enhances cybersecurity but also aligns with global efforts towards responsible and sustainable practices. By influencing the broader technological landscape and having a tangible impact across diverse sectors, Kaspersky contributes meaningfully to the realization of SDGs 12 and 9, showcasing the potential of technology to drive positive change in the pursuit of a more sustainable and interconnected world.

Interview

Elena Sivenkova, Head of marketing KasperskyOS