Palo Alto Networks has acquired Console, a company that develops software enabling AI agents to perform operational tasks. The technology is set to become part of Cortex and automate more security processes there. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Console focuses on building workflows that can be controlled using natural language. A user describes the desired outcome, after which AI agents determine the necessary steps. Palo Alto Networks sees applications for, among other things, investigating security alerts, setting priorities, and handling incidents.
With this, the security company aims to go beyond AI that primarily analyzes information or provides analysts with recommendations. Agents must also be able to perform actions within an organization’s IT environment. Palo Alto Networks plans to combine Console’s technology with Cortex to achieve this.
Agents operate across different systems
According to Network World, Console connects to various systems within the organization for this purpose, including identity systems, SaaS applications, and security tools. An AI agent can then interpret a request, gather the necessary context from those various sources, and execute a workflow. Afterward, the system also logs which actions were performed.
This provides a more concrete example of what Palo Alto Networks means by building agentic workflows in natural language. Instead of pre-configuring a fixed workflow for every task, the user specifies the desired outcome. The agent then uses information and functions from various connected systems to carry it out.
Palo Alto Networks refers to this approach as “software-as-an-agent.” CEO Nikesh Arora states that this should make security operations less reliant on employees who monitor dashboards and handle tickets. Part of the investigation and the subsequent actions are then carried out by software.
Part of a series of acquisitions
The acquisition of Console is not an isolated move. Palo Alto Networks has recently acquired several companies to expand its portfolio, including CyberArk and Chronosphere. Console adds technology for AI-driven IT service processes and automation to this portfolio.
Palo Alto Networks has not disclosed how much it is paying for Console. Details are also still lacking regarding when the technology will become available within Cortex.
Nor does the announcement clarify exactly how far the agents’ autonomy will extend. For example, Palo Alto Networks does not provide specific examples of security measures that agents are permitted to carry out completely independently or when human approval remains required.