Palo Alto Networks Announces Acquisition of Protect AI

Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW) , a leading global cybersecurity company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Protect AI, an innovator in securing AI and machine learning (ML) applications and models. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Palo Alto Networks’ security capabilities to address emerging cyber threats driven by the proliferation of AI technologies and demonstrates its strong commitment to leading the next generation of cybersecurity innovation.

A complex AI ecosystem consisting of AI models, agents, infrastructure, tools, APIs, and third-party components is rapidly spreading, especially in large enterprises and government agencies. Accordingly, new security threats that target vulnerabilities in various ways, such as model manipulation, data contamination, and prompt injection attacks, are emerging. In this complex and evolving threat environment, a sophisticated security solution that can effectively reduce risk and provide industry-leading security is essential. Palo Alto Networks has established a leading position in AI security early on, and 'Protect AI' is playing a key role in the new security area.

Palo Alto Networks announced that with the completion of this acquisition, the addition of Protect AI’s solutions and expert team will enable it to realize its vision of Prisma AIRS™, the industry’s most complete AI security platform, more quickly and with greater perfection. Prisma AIRS provides a leading security environment for AI innovation. As enterprises increasingly seek to integrate AI into their business processes, Prisma AIRS provides security across the entire AI development process, including model scanning, risk assessment, generative AI runtime security, security posture management, and AI agent protection, helping enterprises safely realize AI innovation while simultaneously meeting business needs and security standards.

“As AI-based applications become a core element of business, it is becoming difficult to respond to new risks with existing security tools alone,” said Anand Oswal, senior vice president and general manager, Palo Alto Networks. “By integrating Protect AI’s innovative solutions, Palo Alto Networks expects to enable enterprises to more safely build AI applications and strengthen security. Furthermore, the addition of Protect AI’s existing solution portfolio and expert team will provide a broad range of security solutions that meet customer requirements, while also laying the foundation for continuously developing innovative solutions that can proactively respond to the rapidly changing and constantly evolving threat landscape.”

“Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows us to further our mission of strengthening the security of the AI ecosystem for users and organizations of all sizes,” said Ian Swanson, co-founder and CEO of Protect AI. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Palo Alto Networks, a company that shares our vision, has global operational capabilities, and cybersecurity expertise.”

• See more related articles