Cisco Unveils AI-Driven Security Tools and Partnerships to Tackle Evolving Cyber Threats

Cisco Introduces New Security Features to Address AI-Driven Cyber Threats

A leading US-based digital communications technology company has rolled out a series of security updates aimed at helping operations teams tackle the growing wave of cyber threats fueled by artificial intelligence. These enhancements include improvements to the Cisco XDR platform, a strengthened collaboration with ServiceNow, and the launch of an open-source AI security model.

As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and cybersecurity talent remains limited, organizations face increased challenges protecting AI systems. Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index reports that 86% of companies worldwide experienced AI-related security incidents in the last year.

“The cybersecurity threat landscape has never been more dynamic and complex, with adversaries constantly emboldened by AI to drive new attacks and exploits,” said Jeetu Patel, Cisco's executive vice president and chief product officer. “To fight back, understaffed security operations and IT leaders need AI power of their own.”

Enhancements in Cisco’s XDR Platform

Cisco’s updated Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform leverages agentic AI to speed up threat detection and response. One standout feature, Instant Attack Verification, pulls data from Splunk, endpoints, and threat intelligence feeds to automate and validate threat investigations in real time. This allows security teams to react faster and with more certainty.

Additional tools include automated forensics for better endpoint visibility and a visual storyboard that lays out complex attacks in an easy-to-follow timeline. These updates aim to help teams make quicker, informed decisions.

• Integration with Splunk Enterprise Security and Splunk SOAR 6.4 improves detection accuracy and workflow automation.
• Combining these with XDR capabilities supports more resilient, AI-driven security operations centers.

Omar Zarabi, CEO of cybersecurity firm Port53, noted, “Cisco XDR has fundamentally changed how we deliver security services, and we're eager to leverage the enhancements in our vision for the future.” Frank Dickson from IDC added that the focus on clear verdicts and fast action could enhance real-world threat management by simplifying investigations.

Foundation AI and Expanded Integrations

Cisco introduced Foundation AI, a new team formed after acquiring Robust Intelligence. This team developed what Cisco claims is the first open-source reasoning model built specifically for security purposes. They are also working on tools and benchmarks to assist security professionals and machine learning engineers in adapting these models effectively.

In partnership with ServiceNow, Cisco launched a new integration to help enterprises govern AI use safely. This joint solution connects Cisco AI Defense with ServiceNow's security operations platform to identify risks before AI models go live.

• New supply chain protections block AI models containing malicious code or problematic licenses.
• The system flags non-compliant AI artifacts, enforces policy restrictions, and detects harmful model behaviors.

Boosting Industrial Cybersecurity

Cisco also enhanced its Industrial Threat Defense suite with new integrations involving Cisco Cyber Vision and Splunk. These improvements provide better visibility and risk management across both IT and operational technology (OT) environments, helping operations teams secure complex industrial systems.

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