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Palo Alto Networks Cortex

Palo Alto Networks · Security Operations and Monitoring

Detection, automation and analytics for the security operations centre, from endpoint to cloud.

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Draft summary. This page summarises what the vendor's product family is generally known for. Each claim is pending confirmation against vendor documentation.

Overview

Cortex brings endpoint, network, cloud and identity data together so analysts investigate incidents in one place instead of across separate consoles. Its products include extended detection and response (XDR), security orchestration and automation (XSOAR), an AI-driven security operations platform (XSIAM) and attack surface management.

It suits teams that want to automate repetitive triage, connect many tools into one workflow and consolidate the SOC around a single data platform. The exact modules in scope are decided during solution design.

Primary capability
Cross-domain detection, investigation and automated response
Deployment models
SaaSPending vendor confirmation
Agent-basedPending vendor confirmation
HybridPending vendor confirmation
Management effort
HighPending vendor confirmation

Customer challenges and business value

  • Alerts spread across many consoles

    Analysts pivot between endpoint, network and cloud tools to rebuild one incident, which slows every investigation.

  • Repetitive triage consumes the team

    Phishing reports, enrichment and ticket updates are manual, so skilled analysts spend their day on routine steps.

  • Unknown internet-facing assets

    Forgotten systems and shadow IT expand the attack surface without appearing in any inventory.

What this helps you achieve

  • One investigation view across endpoint, network, cloud and identity
  • Less manual triage through playbook automation
  • A path to consolidate SOC tooling and data

Key capabilities

  • Extended detection and response across endpoint, network, cloud and identity dataPending vendor confirmation
  • Security orchestration, automation and response with playbooks and case managementPending vendor confirmation
  • AI-driven security operations platform that centralises data, analytics and responsePending vendor confirmation
  • External attack surface discovery and monitoringPending vendor confirmation
  • Behavioural analytics and detection content from the vendor's threat researchPending vendor confirmation
  • Integration with the vendor's firewalls and with third-party toolsPending vendor confirmation

Technical architecture and deployment

Where the product sits in a typical security architecture, and what it connects to.

Data sources

  • Endpoints
  • Network and firewalls
  • Cloud and identity logs

This product

Cortex security operations platform

Outputs and actions

  • Analyst queue
  • Automation playbooks
  • Case management
Generic placement for this category. Actual data sources and integrations depend on the product and your environment.

Integration ecosystem

Categories of systems this type of product commonly connects to. Specific connectors and versions are confirmed with the vendor.

  • Palo Alto Networks firewalls and cloud securityPending vendor confirmation
  • Third-party endpoint, identity and email securityPending vendor confirmation
  • Ticketing and case managementPending vendor confirmation
  • Threat intelligence feedsPending vendor confirmation

Common use cases

  • Consolidating SOC alerts and data into one platform
  • Automating phishing triage and enrichment
  • Investigating incidents that span endpoint, network and cloud
  • Discovering unmanaged internet-facing assets

Frequently asked questions

Which Cortex product do we need?

That depends on whether the priority is endpoint detection, SOC automation, a consolidated SOC platform or attack surface visibility. We scope the right modules with you.

Do we need Palo Alto firewalls to use it?

No. Cortex accepts data from many sources, though it integrates most closely with the vendor's own network and cloud products. Confirm the sources you need during evaluation.

Where does the information on this page come from?

This page is a draft summary of what the vendor's product family is generally known for. Capabilities, deployment models and integrations are marked as pending until they are checked against vendor documentation. Ask us for a confirmed scope for your environment.

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Talk to an expert about Palo Alto Networks Cortex

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