Palo Alto Networks leverages predictive analytics to enhance cybersecurity operations

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is an American multinational cybersecurity company with headquarters in Santa Clara, California.

Note to readers: The article initially stated, while attributing to statements made on record by Anil Valluri, MD and Regional VP for India & SAARC of Palo Alto Networks, that the company uses ChatGPT for streamlining their cybersecurity operations. However, after publication, Palo Alto Networks clarified that it does not use generative AI or specifically ChatGPT, but that they use predictive analytics in their processes. The article has been edited to reflect the changes. 

Palo Alto Networks, the US-based cybersecurity major which offers services to IT giants such as Infosys and Wipro, as well as government bodies such as UIDAI and NIC, is utilising predictive analytics to streamline their cybersecurity operations, Anil Valluri, MD and Regional VP for India & SAARC told Moneycontrol.

“We use AIOps to interface with our security --  to parse through the data that we have in terms of security alerts,” Valluri said.

Palo Alto Networks defines AIOps as 'artificial intelligence for IT operations' and it refers to platforms that leverage machine learning (ML) and analytics to automate IT operations.

"For instance, if at night we have generated a lot of security alerts and in the morning the CIO (chief information officer) enquires about the day's security posture, AIOps can sift through the data, and say these are the high-risk security alerts, and these are low-risk ones; these are the areas that need your attention," Valluri said.

Previously, employees had to do this manually by going to the security console, then sifting through the data on spreadsheets and creating a report.

Palo Alto's India significance

Led by CEO Nikesh Arora, the Nasdaq-listed company has invested around $150 million in India, where over 1,000 employees are dedicated to core engineering work.

"India is a very large and very strategic country for Palo Alto, we have, apart from two centers of engineering excellence in the US and Israel, we also have another in Bengaluru. This is probably the biggest engineering center for Palo Alto," Valluri said.

"We are investing in developing technologies, investing in giving opportunities to the talent that is available here," he said. However, with the current prevailing market situation, Valluri declined from commenting on any hiring plans for the future.

Valluri pointed out that there is a massive dearth of skilled cybersecurity personnel in India. "We end up hiring people and training them. Just regular engineering, science, commerce or arts is not enough," Valluri said, adding that they have begun collaborating with governments and institutes to offer cybersecurity-related courses.

Providing security for govt

The cybersecurity MNC also offers its services to key government bodies such as Aadhaar, GSTN, Income Tax, NIC, and others.

"Government of India has very clearly said these are the quality of standards that we have.  This is the quality of work that we want. They are very cloud aware.”

"Particularly Aadhaar, UPI, NIC, railways, metros, GSTN, they all are customers, they use cybersecurity technologies very deeply. And they are aware of the risks that are there. Therefore, they are well prepared. But cybersecurity is a constantly evolving journey," Valluri added.