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Okta & Palo Alto Networks unite for AI-powered identity security

Okta & Palo Alto Networks unite for AI-powered identity security

Techday NZ15-07-2025
Okta and Palo Alto Networks have announced an expanded partnership aimed at creating unified, AI-driven security solutions to tackle identity-based cyberattacks.
The cooperation introduces new integrations designed to help organisations automate threat response, secure access to applications from any device, and minimise the risks that come with using isolated security tools.
Integration details
The partnership brings together Okta Workforce Identity with Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Access Browser. This connection establishes a conditional access method that restricts access to single sign-on (SSO) applications by requiring the use of a secure browser. A separate integration connects Okta's Identity Threat Protection with Okta AI directly to the Palo Alto Networks Cortex SecOps platform. This allows organisations to get a unified view of identity-related threats across all assets and surfaces, extending coverage to the CortexSIAM and Cortex XDR platforms for a more complete response to advanced attacks.
With this, enterprises can enforce stricter controls over application access, monitor risk signals in real time, and trigger automated responses, such as revoking user access or quarantining endpoints, when suspicious activity is detected.
Industry perspectives "AI is supercharging attacks on user credentials, requiring a 'fight AI with AI' approach that brings identity directly into an organisation's security infrastructure for a real-time and unified response," said Stephen Lee, Vice President of Technology Partnerships at Okta. "With Palo Alto Networks, Okta is proud to enhance the interoperability of our AI-powered platforms to prevent risks of siloed tools, providing nearly 2000 joint customers with a comprehensive view of their security posture, context-aware access controls, and secure authentication to stay ahead of today's threats."
Pam Cyr, Vice President of Technical Partnerships at Palo Alto Networks, commented: "Identity plays a critical role in cybersecurity. Our deep integrations with Okta ensure that our solutions are engineered to work together, making it easier for our customers to achieve higher levels of security and user experience. These new integrations, from securing application access with Prisma Access Browser to providing unified protection against identity threats through our Cortex platform, empower organisations with comprehensive, AI-driven defence."
Steph Barnett, Vice President, Presales at Okta APJ, said: "Across Asia Pacific, organisations are under pressure from faster, more targeted cyberattacks, yet too many still rely on siloed tools that can't keep pace. A more integrated, identity-centric approach is essential. That's why this expanded partnership between Okta and Palo Alto Networks matters. We are bringing identity into the centre of threat detection and response, improving visibility across the attack surface, and reducing complexity through intelligent automation. This announcement is a clear example of Okta's partner-first strategy in action, working with industry leaders to deliver powerful, scalable security solutions."
Orcun Tezel, Vice President, Technical Solutions, Asia Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, added: "Today's dynamic, complex threat landscape requires organisations to strengthen identity protection while simplifying security operations. Our expanded partnership with Okta helps organisations fend off sophisticated identity-based attacks and build a strong Zero Trust framework, enabling seamless, secure access anywhere, on any device. This collaboration reflects our commitment to deliver unified, automated security outcomes that reduce complexity for customers across the region."
Customer impact
The two primary integrations delivered by the partnership are aimed at helping joint customers enhance their defences while reducing cost and operational complexity:
Firstly, the integration between Okta Workforce Identity and Prisma Access Browser adds a protection layer for web-based activities, allowing employees to securely access business applications and data even from unmanaged devices. This ensures a consistent browsing experience while security teams maintain control and oversight of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and web app usage.
Secondly, unifying Okta's Identity Threat Protection with Palo Alto's Cortex XSIAM and Cortex XDR enables the dynamic application of additional authentication steps for risky activities. This integration automates threat responses, such as immediate revocation of access or isolation of compromised sessions.
Industry analysts believe that this type of cooperation addresses a core need for enterprises seeking to manage diverse threats with fewer resources. Maxine Holt, Vice President, Enterprise & Channel Research at Omdia, said: "CISOs are clear: to move at pace with the threat landscape, security teams need integrated platforms, not just more solutions. With the rapid adoption of cloud services, SaaS applications, remote work, and now the advent of AI, organisations are being challenged by added complexity and gaps in security tools. By unifying their offerings, Okta and Palo Alto Networks are helping customers streamline operations, reduce complexity, and improve coverage of the attack surface."
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