Palo Alto Networks launches Frontier AI Critical Defense Program with new partners

On August 19, 2026 Palo Alto Networks introduced a Frontier AI Critical Defense Program to protect critical infrastructure from AI-driven exploits. Participants deploy network-level virtual patches that block vulnerabilities before attackers can use them. The company says its own Frontier AI models found more than 14,000 previously unknown vulnerabilities in open-source software, and the program adds operational technology, healthcare and open-source groups.

• Announced August 19, 2026
• Builds on existing work with IBM, Red Hat, Microsoft, Siemens and Idaho National Laboratory
• New participants include Anthropic, OpenAI, Mitsubishi Electric, Axis Communications, Health-ISAC, EPRI and Akrites
• More than 14,000 previously unknown open-source vulnerabilities found with Frontier AI models