Palo Alto Networks announced its intent to acquire Protect AI, a specialist in securing machine learning and artificial intelligence systems, to bolster its newly unveiled Prisma AIRS platform. The acquisition reflects Palo Alto Networks’ strategic focus on securing the rapidly growing AI attack surface, including threats such as model manipulation, data poisoning, and prompt injection attacks. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of Palo Alto Networks’ fiscal year 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Protect AI, based in Seattle, has developed a range of solutions targeting the unique risks posed by AI and ML pipelines, including model scanning, GenAI runtime security, AI agent protection, and posture management. Once the acquisition is complete, Protect AI’s team and technologies will be integrated into Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma AIRS offering—an end-to-end AI security platform designed to help organizations securely build, deploy, and manage AI-powered applications. The deal strengthens Palo Alto Networks’ ability to deliver purpose-built defenses for enterprise-grade AI deployments.
The announcement comes amid a sharp rise in AI adoption across enterprises and government organizations, where traditional security tools are proving inadequate. By uniting Palo Alto Networks’ scale and cybersecurity expertise with Protect AI’s purpose-built offerings, the companies aim to provide comprehensive coverage across the full AI development lifecycle.
- Palo Alto Networks to acquire Protect AI to enhance AI-specific security capabilities.
- Protect AI addresses threats like model manipulation, data poisoning, and GenAI risks.
- Acquisition supports Palo Alto Networks’ new Prisma AIRS AI security platform.
- Prisma AIRS aims to secure the AI lifecycle, from model development to runtime.
- Deal expected to close in fiscal Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
“By extending our AI security capabilities to include Protect AI’s solutions, businesses will be able to build AI applications with comprehensive security,” said Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks.
