Archive · 2 Sep 2026
AI Threats Push Companies to Modernize Aging Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Many companies use cybersecurity tools that were built before today’s powerful AI systems existed.
Nikesh Arora says these older tools may not be able to stop attacks happening at computer speed.
AI can help defenders, but attackers can use it to find weaknesses faster too.
This is making companies spend more money on better security.
Investors once worried that AI would hurt cybersecurity software companies.
Now they increasingly see AI threats as a reason those companies may grow.
Palo Alto Networks says it is helping businesses test their systems and find vulnerabilities.
The company also reported stronger-than-expected results and an optimistic forecast.
Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora said nearly $1 trillion in aging cybersecurity infrastructure was built for a pre-AI world.
Arora said systems deployed seven to 10 years ago are not ready to handle AI-driven threats at machine speed.
He expects cybersecurity demand to grow as attackers use AI to find and exploit vulnerabilities faster.
Palo Alto Networks said its fiscal fourth-quarter results exceeded analyst estimates and issued an upbeat outlook.
The company has discussed its Frontier AI Critical Defense Program with at least 2,000 companies since launching it in August.
- Who
- Nikesh Arora, Palo Alto Networks, and companies seeking cybersecurity upgrades.
- What
- AI is pressuring businesses to modernize aging cybersecurity infrastructure, while increasing demand for security products.
- When
- Arora made the comments Tuesday local time; Palo Alto Networks launched its Frontier AI Critical Defense Program in August.
- Where
- The remarks were made to CNBC; the article discusses companies and cybersecurity infrastructure without specifying a location.
- Why
- AI can allow attackers to discover and exploit vulnerabilities faster, while older security systems were not designed for automated threats.
AI as a Cybersecurity Disruption
AI as a Cybersecurity Growth Driver
Impact on security software
AI as a Cybersecurity Disruption
Earlier in the year, investors feared increasingly capable AI models could disrupt or replace traditional cybersecurity software.
AI as a Cybersecurity Growth Driver
As investors recognized that attackers could weaponize AI, they increasingly viewed the technology as a source of cybersecurity demand and industry growth.
Company readiness
AI as a Cybersecurity Disruption
Older cybersecurity systems were not designed for AI-driven attacks operating at machine speed, creating serious modernization challenges.
AI as a Cybersecurity Growth Driver
Modern AI-based security programs can assess systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and help companies upgrade their defenses.
- Infrastructure at risk
- Nearly $1 trillion of aging cybersecurity infrastructure was built for a pre-AI world, according to Arora.
- Older systems
- Arora said infrastructure deployed seven or 10 years ago is not prepared to handle AI at machine speed.
- Program reach
- Palo Alto Networks said it had spoken with at least 2,000 companies about its Frontier AI Critical Defense Program.
- Program launch
- The Frontier AI Critical Defense Program officially launched in August.
- Forecast
- Palo Alto Networks projected adjusted earnings of $4.16 to $4.19 per share for the new fiscal year.
- Analyst estimate
- The company’s earnings projection was above Wall Street’s average estimate of $4.11 per share.
- Share performance
- Palo Alto Networks shares had climbed 113% from April 7 after remaining negative for much of 2026 before then.