Palo Alto Networks has unveiled Cloud Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for Microsoft Azure, a managed service that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) to stop known, unknown and zero-day threats in Azure environments, according to a prepared statement.
Commenting on the Cloud NGFW for Azure announcement, Julia Liuson, president of Microsoft Developer Division, said:
"This collaboration between Palo Alto Networks and Microsoft combines the scalability and reliability of Azure with Palo Alto Networks expertise to help safeguard our customers against the latest threats."
What Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW for Azure Offers
Cloud NGFW for Azure enables users to deploy Palo Alto Networks security technologies from the Azure portal, Palo Alto Networks said. In doing so, Cloud NGFW for Azure provides users with instant protection against cyber threats.
In addition, Cloud NGFW for Azure integrates with Azure Virtual WAN deployments. This enables users to protect traffic across their networks.
Anand Oswal, Palo Alto Networks' senior vice president of Network Security, commented on Cloud NGFW for Azure and how it can help organizations move to the cloud without compromising their on-premises security standards:
"With Cloud NGFW for Azure, an ML-powered NGFW delivered as an Azure-native ISV service, organizations can confidently migrate to the cloud and run applications at cloud speed and scale while maintaining robust security. This solution provides enterprises with the agility they need to compete in today's fast-paced business environment, while ensuring that their cloud applications are secure and protected by industry-leading technology."
Cloud NGFW for Azure is available in public preview in the eastern and central U.S., western Europe and eastern Australia regions, with additional regions coming soon.
Palo Alto Networks Enhances Its Portfolio
The Cloud NGFW for Azure announcement comes after Palo Alto Networks made several moves to bolster its security offerings in 2023, including:
- Upgrading its Unit 42 Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) Service
- Integrating an Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) module into its Cortex XSIAM (eXtended security intelligence and automation management) security operations center (SOC) platform
- Unveiling a zero trust operational technology (OT) security solution
MSSPs can incorporate Palo Alto Networks' technologies into their security services by joining the company's NextWave Partner Program.