Palo Alto Networks launches quantum-ready & AI security suite

Palo Alto Networks has introduced new security solutions aimed at helping enterprises address risks associated with quantum computing, multicloud strategies, and artificial intelligence.

The company is providing a suite of enhancements within its network security platform, focusing on quantum readiness, simplified cloud network security, and the expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities. These updates are available to all customers using the latest version of the company's software.

Quantum readiness

Palo Alto Networks' latest release includes a Quantum Readiness Dashboard, which offers organisations visibility into their cryptographic posture. It also introduces what the company describes as the industry's first cipher translation, able to upgrade applications to quantum-safe encryption even if the applications themselves do not natively support such standards. Additionally, 14 new models of fifth-generation Next-Generation Firewalls have been launched, specifically designed to handle post-quantum cryptography efficiently.

"The quantum threat to encryption is no longer theoretical; it's an inevitability that demands action now. With these latest innovations that cover the entire quantum readiness lifecycle, we are pioneering the defense for this new era. Every Palo Alto Networks customer that uses our latest software will be able to accelerate their journey to becoming quantum safe, with the intelligence and infrastructure needed to proactively secure their most critical assets from tomorrow's threats, today."

This statement from Anand Oswal, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, underlines the company's approach to managing emerging cyber risks presented by quantum computing advances.

Addressing the multicloud and AI landscape

The updated suite offers a cloud network and AI risk assessment tool. This feature is designed to provide continuous risk identification for cloud and AI assets, identifying areas with weak or missing controls and allowing organisations to make informed decisions about improving their security posture. Firewalls and Prisma AIRS instances can now be deployed automatically, securing organisations' multicloud environments more efficiently. The management of these deployments is consolidated in the updated Strata Cloud Manager, which allows organisations to automate security deployment as well as scale protections on demand.

Industry perspectives

Pete Finalle, Research Manager, Security and Trust Team at IDC, commented on the security challenges that modern enterprises face as technological environments become more complex:

"The increased urgency to achieve quantum readiness, coupled with the proliferation of multicloud environments and rapid advancements in AI, has created a complex and fragmented security landscape for the modern enterprise. This has created blind spots and inconsistent policies for businesses striving to establish a resilient zero trust architecture. Palo Alto Networks proactively addressing quantum computing threats with 'crypto agility' is a key differentiator. Additionally, highly scalable software firewalls with complete deployment automation and native microsegmentation address critical visibility and operational challenges in network security."

The enhancements also aim to eliminate operational silos by centralising network security functions, allowing visibility and enforcement across multicloud deployments. Automatic scaling and integrated load balancing remove the need for additional point products, streamlining cloud operations for IT teams.

Customer feedback

End users such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and travel technology provider Sabre commented on their experiences and expectations.

"We aim to deliver secure, high-performance digital experiences - from real-time game analytics to fan engagement - that build trust with our community. As we expand our multicloud infrastructure, we rely on Palo Alto Networks innovative platform to support this vision. With this latest update, we gain a unified platform that empowers us to rapidly scale services, protect critical digital assets and stay ahead of evolving threats, making Palo Alto Networks our trusted partner for securing the future of the game," said Mehdi Lahrech, Senior Manager, Hybrid Cloud Networking, NBA.

Scott Moser, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Sabre, also highlighted the heightened importance of security in their sector:

"Our vision at Sabre is to power the global travel industry by providing innovative software and technology solutions, and we can't be distracted or slowed down by cyberthreats. With the threat landscape being radically changed by AI-powered attackers, complex global architectures and the huge shifts coming with quantum computing, we need a cybersecurity partner with a powerful vision and a proven ability to execute. This announcement is just another milestone that proves why Palo Alto Networks is our partner of choice for cybersecurity."

Software availability

The new features, including quantum readiness tools and cloud protection enhancements, are available as a software upgrade to PAN-OS 12.1 Orion.