Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) has taken a major step to fortify its leadership in AI cybersecurity by announcing a definitive agreement to acquire Protect AI. Management emphasized that the explosion of AI applications across enterprises and governments has created an entirely new and vulnerable attack surface. With Protect AI's advanced solutions and expert team, Palo Alto Networks plans to deliver comprehensive security that covers the entire AI development lifecyclefrom model scanning to runtime protection. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Palo Alto Networks' ability to manage emerging AI-specific threats like model manipulation, data poisoning, and prompt injection attacks.
The acquisition will also accelerate the launch of Prisma AIRS, which management describes as the most complete AI security platform available today. Prisma AIRS is designed to provide customers with end-to-end protection as they embed AI into critical operations, offering capabilities including GenAI runtime security, risk assessments, posture management, and AI agent security. By integrating Protect AI's technology, Palo Alto Networks aims to address an urgent and growing gap where traditional cybersecurity tools are no longer sufficient. The company believes that organizations now need purpose-built solutions to deploy AI safely and at scale.
Leadership from both companies signaled strong optimism about the future. Anand Oswal, SVP at Palo Alto Networks, highlighted that Protect AI's portfolio will immediately bolster Palo Alto Networks' ability to meet current customer demands while fueling future innovation in AI security. Protect AI's CEO Ian Swanson echoed the enthusiasm, noting the partnership would allow their mission to scale globally with Palo Alto Networks' operational strength. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close by the first fiscal quarter of 2026, positioning the company at the center of one of the most important technology transformations of this decade.
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