The rapid pace of digital transformation and technological advancement adds new layers of complexity to enterprise network architecture. Due to these advancements, network management has become increasingly challenging. Using streamlined platforms, network administrators can obtain a comprehensive view of network data, with AI assistance tools at their disposal. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE (secure access service edge) is an example of this type of network.
Palo Alto Networks has remained at the forefront of network technology development by integrating AI into network platforms, bolstering efficacy, resiliency, and adaptability. Learn how network AI strengthens networks and security with Palo Alto Networks’ integrated Prisma SASE platform.
What does Prisma SASE include?
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE is a robust networking platform that is available as-a-service. With many Palo Alto Network services comprising Prisma SASE, this post will detail the specific services that focus on networking and security.
ADEM: Autonomous Digital Experience Management is an innovative management tool that oversees network operations and quality assurance for user experiences.
Prisma Access: The secure services edge (SSE) assures rapid and secure accessibility to cloud- and web-based business resources, including Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.
Prisma SD-WAN: Short for a software-defined wide area network, this component of Prisma SASE includes a toolkit for optimizing operations and cloud-native network architecture.
SASE: Secure access service edge (pronounced “sassy”) is an approach to networking that prioritizes securing data and resources located on-site or in the Cloud.
AI drives dynamic performance enhancement to strengthen networks
AI-powered Prisma networking platforms have a more proactive process for managing performance when compared to past iterations of network infrastructure. When it comes to today’s business networks, human maintenance and monitoring alone is out of the question due to the size and complexity of these networks. Network AI solutions, however, were created for this exact level of evaluation. Because they are AI-driven, Prisma platforms are equipped with instant monitoring, remediation, and optimization capabilities for business networks, spanning a broad scope of critical functionalities.
Managing traffic
Businesses have a full view of the traffic flow throughout their network thanks to Prisma SD-WAN and Prisma Access. Because of these tools, Prisma platforms can track traffic, detect patterns, and take action as needed.
Network AI analyzes past data estimates of typical network traffic to recognize traffic patterns that are especially high or abnormal before alerting admins and independently rerouting traffic to circumvent possible deterioration of service quality. This ability helps maintain user connections even when network interruptions occur.
Read more: SASE and SD-WAN usher in the next era of cloud networking for retailers
Reconfiguration for optimization
As platforms gradually gather data, network AI solutions evaluate the network’s configurations, comparing operations data and effective methodologies to suggest improvements. In response to actual network architecture, Prisma can advise on setup options for new and existing systems, as it actively searches for software updates and informs you of vital modifications. While both your network and business expand in tandem, Prisma refreshes its analysis, allowing you to provide a comprehensive and reliable network foundation for the organization.
Recognizing and managing impediments
A stable technology ecosystem is essential to an optimized business. As a component of Prisma SASE, ADEM tracks network variations that affect resiliency and user engagement on the business’ network, including accessibility to apps based in the Cloud, network velocity, disruptions to equipment, and other performance measures. ADEM automatically identifies declines in service performance and instinctively launches remedial actions, usually before the user realizes there is an issue.
Strengthening your security position: AI’s ability to counter advanced cyber risks
With technology’s continuous progression and the increasing complexity of business networks, the risk of cyber threats grows as bad actors find new system vulnerabilities. Prisma’s platforms are AI-driven, encompassing smart security functionalities that allow them to dynamically collect threat data, track network weaknesses, and efficiently and reliably manage data governance at the enterprise level.
Risk reduction
While Prisma scans and tracks a network, the platform simultaneously identifies weaknesses and alerts administrators once they are detected. For networks that operate at the enterprise level, AI collaboration is critical to ensure thorough patch management, configuring settings, updating software, and more essential upkeep procedures so your networks are well fortified and protected from emerging threats.
Moreover, Prisma is equipped with platform monitoring tools that assist admins in diminishing shadow IT—the unsanctioned use of the business’ cloud services and software. This is critical, given the rise of generative AI (GenAI). If users supply it with proprietary business information or it happens to collect data that was not adequately secured, GenAI can become a security risk.
The Prisma platform is outfitted with AI Access Security, a tool that identifies and addresses unprotected usage of GenAI. AI Access Security allows you to better administer robust data security protocols, prohibit or regulate GenAI accessibility, and allow staff to leverage GenAI securely.
Detecting and responding to threats
In the event of a security breach, every second counts. Rapidly containing a threat can significantly diminish fines and revenue losses, a besmirched reputation, and an extended recovery from the disaster.
Prisma SASE has built-in AI cybersecurity solutions, including dynamic intrusion detection and automated repair, so swift responses are easy and straightforward. Prisma solutions are equipped with AI security features that access the latest threat data regarding the most current IT security risks. A clear perspective of the entire enterprise means network flow can be tracked for questionable patterns or usage. AI assistants can provide suggested threat responses. Network AI tools can also be formatted to begin corrective procedures instantly, so in-house IT staff can work more efficiently and the enterprise’s security practices are further strengthened.
Read more: AIOps in networking improves perimeterless security
Governing data securely
Today’s large-scale businesses depend on a massive volume of data that often contains staff and consumers’ personal information, proprietary operational data, and business strategy. As organizations move toward digital storage solutions, warehousing and safeguarding such sensitive information from unintentional loss and cyber criminals is a mounting challenge.
Tagging, data discovery, and governance are all streamlined with the Prisma platform, allowing your organization to enforce strict governance around personally identifiable information or proprietary data. For instance, Prisma Access’s safe browser reinforces printing policies as well as those pertaining to copying and pasting, and screenshots. Other aspects of SASE can block specific categories of data transmission via online communication platforms and e-mail. Such system-wide boundaries assure the strength of the organization’s security practices around data.
The benefits of a platform
AI functionalities have long been a component of singular network and security services. However, Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE unites every facet of strong network architecture under the same roof. Prisma SASE assures streamlined functionality of your tech stack. Managing comprehensive technology with an integrated platform also drives greater efficiency for your IT team.
Additionally, with Prisma SASE, network data is concentrated in a centralized repository, enhancing visibility and improving data availability to AI tools. Because network data is centralized, the AI functions contained within Prisma SASE can cross-index critical data and view network operations and patterns from a 360-degree perspective. These characteristics enable the platform to operate more efficiently when facilitating multiple functions across teams or making suggestions for complicated activities.
Enhance Prisma integration and configuration with OnX
Prisma SASE is an extensive, adaptable platform customizable to your business’s requirements. Comprehensive experience with Prisma solutions and its functionalities and technical competency are essential to tailoring Prisma to meet specific enterprise needs.
OnX is honored to have been named a Palo Alto Networks NextWave Diamond Innovator in recognition of our proficiency and successful history of delivering customized business solutions. Our achievements speak to our dedication to collaborating and appreciating our clients’ unique requirements, in addition to our commitment to client service excellence. Start your journey to a stronger network through the integration of AI by contacting OnX today.
