As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, it also creates new risks for cybersecurity. AI agents—programs that can make decisions and act on their own—are now being used in harmful ways. Some are launched by cybercriminals or even unhappy employees, while others may simply malfunction and cause damage. Cisco, a well-known technology company, has introduced new security solutions aimed at stopping these unpredictable AI agents before they can cause serious harm inside company networks.
The Growing Threat of AI in Cybersecurity
Traditional cybersecurity methods, such as firewalls and access controls, were originally designed to block viruses and unauthorized users. However, these defenses may not be strong enough to deal with intelligent AI agents that can move within networks, find weak spots, and spread quickly. Attackers now have the ability to launch AI-powered threats that are faster, more complex, and cheaper to operate. This creates a huge challenge for cybersecurity teams who are already stretched thin.
Cisco’s Zero Trust Approach
To address this, Cisco is focusing on a security method called Zero Trust. The basic idea behind Zero Trust is that no one and nothing inside a network should be automatically trusted. Every user, device, and application must be verified every time they try to access something new. Imagine a house where every room has its own lock, and just because you entered one room doesn't mean you can walk freely into the next. This layered security helps block the movement of malicious AI agents.
Cisco’s Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) applies this approach across the entire network. It covers everything from employee devices to Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets that are often less secure. Cisco’s system also uses AI-powered insights to monitor activity and quickly detect anything unusual.
Building Stronger Defenses
Cisco is also introducing a Hybrid Mesh Firewall, which is not just a single device but a network-wide security system. It is designed to protect companies across different environments, whether their data is stored on-site or in the cloud.
To make identity checks easier and more reliable, Cisco is updating its Duo Identity and Access Management (IAM) service. This tool will help confirm that the right people and devices are accessing the right resources, with features like passwordless logins and location-based verification. Cisco has been improving this service since acquiring Duo Security in 2018.
New Firewalls for High-Speed Data
In addition to its Zero Trust solutions, Cisco is launching two new firewall models: the Secure Firewall 6100 Series and the Secure Firewall 200 Series. These firewalls are built for modern data centers that handle large amounts of information, especially those using AI. The 6100 series, for example, can process high-speed data traffic while taking up minimal physical space.
Cisco’s latest security solutions are designed to help organizations stay ahead in the fight against rapidly evolving AI-powered threats.