- Hostile nations may soon exploit quantum computers to compromise existing encryption standards
- Current firewalls may require replacement to remain effective against quantum-enabled threats
- AI-integrated enterprise browsers increase exposure to attacks on the enterprise network
Palo Alto Networks has warned that rapidly advancing technologies may soon render current security equipment inadequate.
The security firm’s CEO Nikesh Arora suggested that hostile nation-states could possess weapons-based quantum computers by 2029 or a little earlier.
Arora noted that this development would require organizations to replace encryption-dependent devices to maintain protection.
Enterprise browser vulnerabilities
Arora framed the situation as both a potential risk and a commercial opportunity, stressing that Palo Alto will soon offer a full range of quantum-secure products.
CTO Lee Klarich added that customers are increasingly planning for a quantum-resistant infrastructure.
The company recently introduced an enterprise-focused browser, citing a proof-of-concept study in which 167 of 5,000 browsers examined were compromised, highlighting the risks of modern web-based workflows.
Klarich expected that as AI-integrated browsers become more common, exposure to attacks will grow.
The company estimates that up to 100 million browser installs could represent significant monetization opportunities while increasing demand for security inspection technologies.
Palo Alto is concurrently managing the $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk while integrating Chronosphere for $3.5 billion.
Arora expressed confidence in the company’s ability to merge these activities without disruption.
Chronosphere’s observability tools are designed to handle petabyte-scale AI data streams with minimal latency and at a lower cost than competing solutions.
The company believes these additions will enable a broader subscription-based model where even a single firewall can be linked to ten or more discrete security services.
Arora indicated that both artificial intelligence and quantum computing are expected to drive traffic volumes significantly, necessitating more extensive inspection and monitoring of data flows.
The anticipated arrival of quantum computers may require the replacement of many existing security devices, including firewalls, to protect sensitive data.
“From our perspective, AI and quantum will drive a lot more volume. So the more bits flying around, the more they need to be inspected, which means the need for bit inspection technologies is not going to go away,” Arora said.
Users are encouraged to maintain up-to-date antivirus software to defend against conventional threats, while using identity theft protection to monitor for suspicious activity.
The evolution of AI-driven threats demonstrates the importance of layered defenses and careful management of enterprise browsers.
Organizations and individuals should plan for a future where both traditional and new technologies require proactive security measures.
Via the registry
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