Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) and Palo Alto Networks have announced a strategic collaboration to offer artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cybersecurity capabilities to companies in various sectors, with the goal of enhancing their readiness against cyber threats and strengthening their security posture. This partnership combines Cognizant’s expertise in providing cybersecurity services with Palo Alto Networks’ leading AI-powered platforms to deliver more effective security outcomes.
The agreement allows Cognizant to expand its expertise and services on Palo Alto Networks platforms, including the AI-driven precision network security platform, the code-to-cloud security platform, and the security operations platform. Both companies aim to help their clients consolidate their security products, reduce complexity, and enhance overall protection levels through “platformization.”
Customized solutions for enhanced protection
Cognizant also aims to expand its portfolio of comprehensive security solutions by developing AI-led customized solutions that enable clients to leverage centralized high-quality data. This will result in higher levels of protection against attacks and quicker incident resolution. Additionally, Cognizant will continue to use Palo Alto Networks technology as part of its internal security infrastructure, strengthening its global cyber defense program.
“In the enterprise security space, AI presents a unique opportunity to augment human efforts and modernize processes to keep pace with constantly evolving threats, increasingly driven by AI,” commented Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. “The combined capabilities of Cognizant and Palo Alto Networks will allow our clients to access cutting-edge technology to fortify their security posture and mitigate risks in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”
Nikesh Arora, President and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, highlighted: “With Palo Alto Networks Precision AI, we can unlock transformative cybersecurity outcomes. As the threat landscape evolves, ‘platformization’ will be a crucial enabler for AI to provide more powerful and effective insights. Our partnership with Cognizant, including their adoption of XSIAM, enables us to deliver these enhanced security solutions to our joint customers.”
Key offerings to mitigate cyber risks
Cognizant will initially offer four key platform-managed solutions designed to mitigate cyber risks, manage cybersecurity events, foster resilience against cyberattacks, and enhance regulatory compliance:
SecureNXT Access: AI-driven seamless protection for companies without traditional perimeters, utilizing Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access and revolutionizing network security with a zero-trust approach.
SecureNXT Cloud: Secure and compliant acceleration of hybrid and multicloud adoption, mitigating cloud hygiene risks with Prisma Cloud.
SecureNXT EDR/MDR: Proactive threat protection in the digital workspace for hybrid enterprises, utilizing Cortex XDR.
SecureNXT SOC: Real-time advanced defense against cyber threats, utilizing Cortex XSIAM for continuous monitoring.
A commitment to cybersecurity in the industry
In sectors like life sciences, Cognizant already offers a wide range of IT and cybersecurity services, including those developed in collaboration with companies like Gilead Sciences, Inc. “Cognizant has been a key provider to Gilead for over five years and has played a significant role in supporting our efforts to mitigate cyber risks,” said Krishnan Chellakarai, Vice President and CISO of Gilead Sciences. “We are excited about the potential of their strategic relationship with Palo Alto Networks and look forward to working together to implement Prisma Cloud as part of our security stack.”
A partnership for the future of cybersecurity
Cognizant’s commitment to elevate its cybersecurity services through a partner-based growth strategy reflects its focus on providing advanced solutions to its clients. This collaboration with Palo Alto Networks is a testament to that commitment, underscoring the importance of staying ahead in a constantly evolving cyber environment.
In conclusion, this alliance will enable companies not only to bolster their security, but also to better adapt to growing regulatory demands and protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With the backing of Palo Alto Networks’ AI-driven capabilities, Cognizant continues to demonstrate its leadership in the global cybersecurity arena.