Palo Alto Networks Acquired Startup Console

The cybersecurity giant purchased the two-year-old AI automation firm for approximately $500 million.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of server hardware and fiber optic cables, representing digital security and infrastructure integration. — Palo Alto Networks acquired the AI automation firm Console for approximately $500 million to integrate new agent capabilities into its Cortex security platform. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Palo Alto Networks has acquired Console for $500 million in a deal involving cash and stock. The move bolsters the company's Cortex security platform with new AI agent capabilities.

Why it matters

Cybersecurity firms are increasingly integrating AI agents that can investigate alerts and automate repetitive workflows to significantly accelerate response times for IT teams.

Console, a two-year-old startup, previously raised $29 million in funding. The company specializes in AI agents that automate routine IT tasks such as password resets and application-access requests.

The players

Palo Alto Networks

This is a global cybersecurity company that provides security solutions for enterprise networks, clouds, and mobile devices.

Console

This is a two-year-old startup focused on developing AI agents that automate routine IT tasks.

Quorum Cyber

This is a cybersecurity company that provides managed services and security solutions to organizations.

Ontinue

This is a security firm that specializes in managed detection and response services.

The details

Palo Alto Networks plans to integrate Console’s technology into its Cortex security platform to help manage routine IT operations more efficiently. Separately, Quorum Cyber also announced an agreement to acquire Ontinue, reflecting ongoing consolidation in the security sector.

Palo Alto Networks completed seven acquisitions throughout 2026.

The Tech Race

The acquisition of Console follows the broader industry trend of the rise of autonomous AI agents in enterprise IT security. This move highlights a technological shift where traditional security platforms are increasingly replaced by automated systems capable of self-managed remediation.

Users can expect improved response times for routine IT tasks like password resets once Console features are integrated into the Cortex platform. These automated workflows reduce the time spent waiting on manual administrative approvals for application access.

The takeaway

The move underscores a competitive environment where major vendors race to acquire sophisticated AI tools to maintain market share. Companies that successfully integrate these agents can provide customers with faster, more reliable automated IT support.