Several important factors must be addressed when evaluating something as broad as the best computer for cyber security. For one, what manner of cyber security are you focusing on, and what line of work is yours that makes this an essential trait to consider?
Suppose you are looking for the safest computer to use daily. In that case, you’d want one that comes with native protection outside of Windows Defender or something similar, but for most practical needs, Windows Defender and other lines of protection will get the job done.
As far as specific needs go, a computer that is fast enough to excel at whatever tasks you need to complete on it will get the job done, then you need to choose whether or not this computer is specifically for work or will be used for a hybrid of work and recreation.
Given that information, what computer is best for cyber security? After doing thorough research, here are the computers we found are the best options for you:
- Dell XPS 15 9530
- Acer Nitro 5
- Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1
- ASUS Zephyrus G14
- Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop
- Corsair ONE i500
Full disclosure: if your primary focus is to utilize the computer and keep it as safe as possible, then you’ll want to solely use it for work and nothing else, as you limit the number of outside factors that could potentially intrude on your data or privacy.
That said, we will review each computer listed above while discussing what you should look at regarding cyber security. Continue reading for more information.
What Are the Best Computers for Cyber Security?
The best computers usually combine high RAM to handle a lot of information at once with a quality display or monitor. Sprinkle in some ease of access and quality of life, and you essentially have everything you need.
The most significant differences arise when you consider how you use the computer. IT specialists and coders, for example, will want a relatively powerful PC and several monitors to multitask and see their code easily.
Before discussing the top six computers we recommend, it is undisputable and well-known that most computer enthusiasts and cyber security specialists enjoy building their builds and customizing their PCs to their unique specifications.
To that end, you’ll likely already know what you want and don’t need information on “pre-built” computers. This article is more for people who are just getting started, looking for quick replacements, or filling office space computer needs.
1. Dell XPS 15 9530
The Dell XPS is a new model featuring many bells and whistles that can quickly fill most cyber security tech-based needs. It contains a Core i7 13th gen that will navigate anything you pull up on it at blazing speeds.
It also features a 1TB PCIe SSD that can store everything you’ll need. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, you’ll get the job done incredibly fast.
It’s worth stating that this is a laptop, and while the battery life on it is immense, you will still be utilizing a battery at the end of the day.
This means you can get your work done on the go, but it will be limited at times. This laptop also comes with Windows 11 Pro, so you’ll get access to some pretty unique features and capabilities like V-machines and more.
2. Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro is a fantastic purchase for the money you are investing in it. Touch typers can rejoice that their keyboards will be illuminated, making dark typing a breeze.
You can also celebrate the overall cost being almost half that of the Dell XPS, partially because it isn’t as powerful. However, you’ll still be able to get all of your cyber security needs met in this neat little package.
Crammed within this little laptop, you’ll find an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti capable of demolishing any graphical display needs you’ll have and a solid 16GB DDR4 to race through any processing needs you have.
It comes with a 512GB SSD, which is half that of the above model, but you are paying for a very happy medium of performance to price. Finally, it comes with a 15.6-inch screen and a one-year replacement plan as of writing this article.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1
Occasionally, a ThinkPad will navigate its way into a list like this, and while some might think they aren’t exactly powerful or simply don’t like the design, ThinkPads are incredibly versatile computers that allow a great range of expression and utility that normal laptops simply cannot offer. To that end, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 is ahead of its years.
Featuring a fingerprint reader, webcam, 16-inch display, and Windows 11 Pro, this little number comes out of the gate swinging, trailing behind the initial perks.
The ThinkPad has an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and yet another 512 GB SSD, so all your basic needs will be met, with some stylish flexibility to boot. The laptop is also incredibly light, weighing only 1.81 kilograms, so taking it on the go will be incredibly easy.
4. ASUS Zephyrus G14
If you are looking to call back on some of the more retro laptop designs, you need to look no further than the ASUS Zephyrus G14.
While marketed as a “gaming laptop,” you can use this for all your cyber security needs. Whether you are coding or sourcing data, it won’t let you down. More importantly, it won’t break the bank to keep you employed.
The Zephyrus has a GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB graphics card, which provides stunning visuals. It also has 16 GB of DDR5 RAM to access any amount of information quickly and a 1TB PCIe SSD for storage needs.
It also has an RGB keyboard (essentially for those color enthusiasts) and Windows 11 Home OS; the screen is 14 inches, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much room if you use a multi-PC setup.
5. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop
It wouldn’t be a list regarding computers if there weren’t at least one Apple product. To that end, Apple’s 2023 MacBook Pro enters, featuring a 14.2-inch display with 8GB unified memory and 512 GB of SSD storage space.
This laptop meets all your needs and pairs nicely with your iPhone or iPad. It goes without saying that you won’t really get the most out of this choice unless you’re an Apple person, but it is a fantastic choice regardless.
While Apple products are notorious for being rather pricey, you can rest easy knowing that they do come with the standard Apple warranty, 22 hours of battery life, a visually captivating display that can have its brightness turned up or down depending on your coding environment, a webcam, and finally, native Apple virus protection and firewall systems for keeping your cyber security needs, for lack of a better word, secure.
6. Corsair ONE i500
The Corsair ONE is big and arguably the most expensive computer on this list, but calling itself the ONE is not just a clever bit of naming. The Corsair ONE might be the last thing you purchase for quite some time, depending on how much it brings.
This PC is liquid-cooled, meaning it’ll maintain temperatures much lower on average than a standard PC. Next, you have the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super GPU, which is a fancy way of saying it will dominate any visual display needs you can have for the next three to five years at minimum.
Then we have the 32 GB VENGEANCE DDR5 memory, and Vengeance is on the cutting edge of what RAM has to offer without going into absurd territory. For that reason alone, it’s an exquisite addition to this build.
Next, you have a whopping 2TB of M.2 SSD, which is double the storage space of most PCs on this list, let alone something you’d be using for work. So you won’t be running out of space any time soon, making it a great choice for people dabbling in video editing and more.
Unfortunately, some things that might have people reeling regarding this PC need to be mentioned. For starters, it’s a desktop PC, which is perfectly fine, assuming you don’t need to get your work done from a different location, but if you live a mobile lifestyle regarding work, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, this computer will cost you roughly USD 3,299.00, which may be a drop in the hat for some, but it is worth noting.
What Features Do You Need to Check for in a Cyber Security Computer?
Below, we’ll go over a brief overview of some of the more important parts you’ll want to shop for in order to truly get a PC that meets your needs. Bear in mind that this is just to get a rough understanding of what it is and why you’d need it, not a deep dive into how these individual parts make the computer as a whole work.
1. RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is what allows your computer’s processor to run applications and open any files you have on your PC. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can handle these simple processes or handle more of them.
2. Battery Life
Traditionally only applied to laptops, the average battery life on a computer is how long you can expect it to run normally without needing to be plugged in. This is something you’ll want to gauge on a personal basis as most people only work for 8+ hours on a given day, but life does happen.
If you forget to charge your laptop but need to take it to a meeting or some other such event, you may be left high and dry or look unprofessional. Either way, it’s something to be mindful of.
3. Display
Your display directly references your computer’s screen, which can be attached to the computer itself. This is most commonly seen in laptops or all-in-one PCs. Desktops have monitors, which are usually purchased separately from the PC itself.
The primary function of a display is to display the information accessed by your computer, give visual meaning to its processes, and allow you to navigate the information you are accessing.
4. Convenience
Convenience can be defined in many ways, such as how easy it is to transport a computer. A lighter laptop would make that task more manageable, a sleek design might allow it to fit more comfortably into your backpack for transportation, or a touch screen could allow you to access certain apps and things with less effort. Either way, there are many things to consider regarding convenience.
5. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU can effectively be viewed as a computer’s brain. It directly runs a computer’s OS (operating system; think Windows, Linux, etc.) and allows it to function. It also controls how easily your computer can handle one or many tasks.
6. Storage
A computer’s storage is where it stores any information you keep inside of it, ranging from simple things like folders and files to complex things like apps, videos, and games. The more things you intend on downloading and actively using, the more storage you’ll need in order for your computer to effectively meet your needs.
7. Connectivity Options
Here, we have a relatively large concept but will break it down into a few key ideas. For example, you can connect your PC to an external display. If you connect your laptop and TV, you must use an HDMI cord. How many different options your PC has available will heavily define its utility in a given situation (assuming we are speaking on direct connections).
Another option is how easily your computer can sync to other external devices, such as Bluetooth, headphones, WiFi, and USB. Checking your computer’s specs will allow you to see what devices are and aren’t compatible, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.
8. Human Interaction
When speaking of human interaction, you can view things from an IT perspective, “This looks like an average iD10T error,” or just a casual use perspective.
From an IT perspective, you’d want a machine that limits how much control someone has over the PC, which can mitigate the average number of problems they can create.
Alternatively, human interaction could be viewed as how easy it is to navigate a computer’s native systems, apps, and processes and generally use the PC for work or recreational purposes.
A touch-screen monitor will allow you to navigate websites and information reasonably quickly if you lose motor function in your fingers, for example, or aren’t great with a mouse and keyboard.
9. Graphics Processor
Your graphics processor or GPU handles the rendering of all graphics the computer needs to display. This can be as simple as your generic wallpaper to a fast-paced action shooter game.
Either way, the GPU handles it. The more memory the GPU has access to, the faster it can render these images, while the stronger the GPU, the more depth and clarity it can show these images.
Do I Need a Powerful Laptop for Cyber Security?
No, you do not need a powerful laptop for basic cyber security job needs. As long as you can easily access your coding, display additional information, contact your team, and test whatever you are working on, you’ll have everything you need.
However, gaining access to more speed, storage, or processing ability can make you work more efficiently. So, gauge your progress with your own needs, as you would never want to be in a situation where your computer hinders your progress.
How Much RAM Should You Have for Cybersecurity?
In most cases, a computer with 16 GB of RAM can handle most of your needs, assuming you are handling a manageable amount of processes at a time or have programs running constantly for you to work.
Do Hackers Prefer Mac or Windows?
Hackers typically prefer an OS that allows for greater expression of either skill or accessibility.
Mac is very linear and harder to manipulate, as it has many non-negotiable factors that cannot be modified easily. On the other hand, Windows can be altered much easier.
People who are skilled at hacking also like using OS that can be sculpted into whatever they specifically want or need, so things like Ubuntu, Linux, and others might be preferred. However, truthfully, this is all down to an individual level. You can’t get a specific OS that will make you “safer” than another.
Which Laptop Cannot Be Hacked?
As noted above, Apple’s much more diverse and in-depth security system makes it more difficult to hack, but definitely not impossible. The only laptop that cannot be hacked is one that does not have access to the Internet.
Final Words
Finding the perfect PC for cyber security can take time, mainly because so many essential aspects of the PC’s build boil down to a person’s individual wants and needs, as opposed to a universally defined “best”.
As such, it will take time to find something that works best for you, but the above options are great starting points that will allow you to firmly get a foothold on what you do and don’t like about almost all computers.