Palo Alto Networks Acquires Protect AI to Strengthen AI Cybersecurity Capabilities

Palo Alto Networks announced Monday that it will acquire Protect AI, a startup focused on securing artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition is expected to close by the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

With this acquisition, Palo Alto aims to expand its capabilities in safeguarding AI systems from emerging threats. As the adoption of AI and machine learning accelerates across industries and government sectors, so too do the security risks associated with these technologies. Palo Alto said that addressing these threats requires defenses specifically designed for the AI environment, rather than relying on traditional cybersecurity measures.

“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,” said Anand Oswal, senior vice president and general manager of network security at Palo Alto Networks.

Protect AI’s tools and team will be integrated into Palo Alto’s newly launched Prisma AIRS platform, which focuses on security for AI-driven systems. The company called this a “critical new area of security” and said the acquisition supports its broader strategy to lead in this space.

Ian Swanson, CEO of Protect AI, said the move will allow his team to “scale our mission of making the AI landscape more secure for users and organizations of all sizes.”

Shares of Palo Alto Networks have risen 23% over the past year, pushing its market capitalization close to $120 billion. The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings on May 21.