Gartner Updated Firewall Criteria to Include AI Security
New security standards now address the unique risks posed by AI agents in corporate network environments.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Live Poll
Do you trust automated AI security systems to protect your business's sensitive data from cyber threats?
Gartner has updated its hybrid mesh firewall criteria to mandate support for AI agent security features. The research firm evaluated 12 vendors on their ability to govern machine-to-machine traffic generated by agentic systems.
Why it matters
As businesses deploy AI agents, these automated systems create significant volumes of traffic that require new security governance. Security teams must now manage risks related to AI application access and agent-based communications.
All 12 evaluated vendors now provide LLM-based chat interfaces for administrators to manage threat prevention and policies. Features focus on monitoring agent communications and securing AI runtimes.
The players
Gartner
This is a global research and advisory firm that provides information, advice, and tools for leaders in IT, finance, and other major business functions.
Check Point
Check Point is a multinational provider of software and combined hardware and software products for IT security.
Cisco
Cisco is a worldwide technology company that develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is a multinational cybersecurity company known for its advanced firewall and cloud-native security platforms.
Fortinet
Fortinet is a global cybersecurity company that develops and sells security solutions including firewalls, endpoint security, and intrusion detection systems.
The details
Leading firewall providers are actively integrating AI-specific safeguards into their platforms. For example, Check Point is utilizing technology from its Lakera acquisition, Cisco has implemented AI Runtime Protection, and Palo Alto Networks is offering its Prisma AIRS solution.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Date of the report publication.
Next 12 months: Fortinet plans to roll out its unified MCP framework for AI automation.
The Tech Race
This pivot reflects the broader industry transition from legacy perimeter security to AI-governed network architectures. It positions vendors in an arms race to secure agentic systems that are replacing human-led administrative workflows.
IT administrators should expect their firewall management tools to increasingly rely on natural-language interfaces for policy enforcement. Organizations will need to evaluate these new AI security features to effectively govern the growing volume of machine-to-machine traffic.
The takeaway
Organizations should prepare for a transition where firewall administration is increasingly handled through AI-integrated interfaces. Implementing strict governance for agentic traffic is now a critical requirement for maintaining network security.
What happens next
Fortinet is scheduled to introduce its unified MCP framework for AI agent-based automation within the next 12 months.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving security landscape, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redmond Channel Partner.
Live Poll
Do you trust automated AI security systems to protect your business's sensitive data from cyber threats?
