Palo Alto Networks unveils AI-powered copilots for cybersecurity

Palo Alto Networks has announced the release of three advanced copilots that leverage generative AI (GenAI) in conjunction with its proprietary high-precision cybersecurity technologies. The new copilots, named Strata Copilot, Prisma Cloud Copilot, and Cortex Copilot, are fully integrated into Palo Alto Networks' flagship security platforms. According to the company, these tools will assist security analysts in identifying, understanding, and mitigating threats with greater efficiency.

"When generative AI went mainstream, we had a vision that it could be an incredible tool for autonomous security. We saw beyond the capability of simply providing answers; it could drive actions. To fulfil its promise, more innovation was needed," explained Lee Klarich, Chief Product Officer at Palo Alto Networks. "By combining generative AI with other key technologies, we've improved precision and enabled actionability. This is the first step toward realising our vision, brought to life via our Precision AI-powered copilots, radically improving security team productivity and security outcomes."

The use of GenAI in these copilots promises to enhance the handling of specialised security tasks by integrating prepackaged automation, machine learning, strong guardrails, and model fine-tuning to offer guided automation and actionable insights. Palo Alto Networks describes its Precision AI as a proprietary innovation that combines GenAI with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to create effective assistants. This advanced AI framework uses comprehensive data and proven operational playbooks to provide enhanced support.

Scott Moser, SVP and CISO at Sabre, emphasised the utility of these new tools: "Generative AI promises to help security teams be more effective in their job through natural language interfaces. The ability for more team members to query firewalls and all of the security tools using a natural language interface is extremely valuable in ensuring a very quick response to security threats, as well as getting better answers to the questions they ask."

The three new copilots are designed to simplify and streamline the tasks of security analysts. Strata Copilot works with the Strata Network Security platform, including both SASE and NGFW deployments, and can be accessed via Strata Cloud Manager. Prisma Cloud Copilot supports the entire Prisma Cloud, Code to Cloud platform by assisting in risk prioritisation, remediation, threat detection, and reporting. Meanwhile, Cortex Copilot is available through the Cortex XSIAM platform, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Security Operations Centres (SOC).

Palo Alto Networks envisions these copilots evolving into true learning assistants that enhance capabilities with each interaction. The ongoing drive towards autonomous cybersecurity aims to provide security teams with faster, more accurate knowledge and insights when they are needed most.

The new copilots empower security professionals to answer product-related questions within their specific environment, explore and visualise activity across applications, users, and threats, and perform complex remediation actions via simple, natural language requests.

Palo Alto Networks' new copilots, powered by Precision AI, are currently available in private preview. The company is also hosting a virtual event titled "Prepare for a Brand-New Fight" to explore these new AI-powered advancements in cybersecurity.