Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity player, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Protect AI
Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity player, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Protect AI, a company focused on securing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications and models. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of Palo Alto Networks’ fiscal year 2026.
Once the deal closes, Protect AI’s CEO, founders, and employees are expected to join Palo Alto Networks. After the close of the transaction, Protect AI’s solutions and team of experts will enable Palo Alto Networks to accelerate its vision for Prisma AIRS- their new AI security platform announced today. The platform designed to protect the entire AI development lifecycle which includes model scanning, risk assessment, GenAI runtime security, posture management, and AI agent security.
AI-powered applications
“As AI-powered applications become core to businesses, they bring risks traditional security tools can’t adequately handle,” said Anand Oswal, SVP and GM at Palo Alto Networks. “By extending our AI security capabilities to include Protect AI’s innovative solutions for Securing AI, businesses will be able to build AI applications with comprehensive security. With the addition of Protect AI’s existing portfolio of solutions and team of experts, Palo Alto Networks will be well-positioned to offer a wide range of solutions for customers’ current needs, and also be able to continue innovating on delivering new solutions that are needed for this dynamic threat landscape,” he added.
Ian Swanson, Co-Founder & CEO, Protect AI also added, “Joining forces with Palo Alto Networks will enable us to scale our mission of making the AI landscape more secure for users and organisations of all sizes. We are excited for the opportunity to unite with a company that shares our vision and brings the operational scale and cybersecurity prowess to amplify our impact globally.”
According to data on Tracxn, Palo Alto Networks completed 21 acquisitions mostly in Israel and US. Its last acquisition was Talon Cyber Security in November 2023 for $600 million. Other acquisitions include Dig Security, Zycada Networks, Cider Security and Bridgecrew.
(With inputs from businessline intern Nethra Sailesh)
Published on April 29, 2025
