- Enemy countries may soon exploit quantum computers to compromise existing encryption standards
- Current firewalls may need to be replaced to remain effective against quantum threats
- Corporate browsers integrated with artificial intelligence increase the risk of attacks on corporate networks
Palo Alto Networks has warned that rapid technological advances may soon render current security measures inadequate.
The security firm’s CEO Nikesh Arora suggested that hostile nation-states could weaponize quantum computers by 2029 or shortly before.
Arora noted that this development would force companies to replace devices that rely on encryption to maintain protection.
Security issues in the company’s browser
Arora described the situation as a potential risk and a business opportunity, noting that Palo Alto will soon offer a full line of quantum security products.
Chief Technology Officer Lee Klarich added that customers are increasingly considering resilient quantum infrastructure.
The company recently launched a browser aimed at businesses, citing a proof-of-concept study in which 167 of 5,000 browsers surveyed were compromised, highlighting the risks of modern web workflows.
Klarich predicts that as ai-enabled browsers become more widespread, their vulnerability to attack will increase.
The company estimates that up to 100 million browser installs could provide significant monetization opportunities while increasing demand for security inspection technologies.
Palo Alto is also handling the $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk and the $3.5 billion integration of Chronosphere.
Arora said he is confident the company will be able to combine these businesses smoothly.
Chronosphere observation tools are designed to process petabyte-scale AI data streams with minimal latency and at a lower cost than competing solutions.
The company believes these additions will enable a broader subscription-based model, where even a single firewall can connect to ten or more separate security services.
Arora noted that artificial intelligence and quantum computing are expected to significantly increase traffic volumes, requiring greater inspection and monitoring of data flows.
The planned introduction of quantum computing may require the replacement of many existing security devices, including firewalls, to protect sensitive data.
“In our view, AI and quantum intelligence will generate much more volume. The more bits that circulate, the more they will need to be inspected, which means the need for bit inspection techniques will not go away,” Arora said.
Users are advised to use up-to-date antivirus software to protect against common threats, while using identity theft protection to look for suspicious activity.
The evolution of AI-driven threats underscores the importance of layered defenses and careful management of enterprise browsers.
Organizations and individuals must plan for a future where traditional and emerging technologies require proactive security measures.
IN the record
