Palo Alto Networks has finalized its acquisition of CyberArk, a leading identity security firm, in a landmark $25 billion deal. This completion, announced on February 11, 2026, positions identity security as a foundational element of the company’s platform strategy amid rising AI-driven threats.
The deal addresses the escalating role of identities in cyberattacks, where machine identities outnumber human ones by over 80 to 1, and 75% of organizations rely on outdated privilege models.
Nearly 90% of enterprises have faced identity-related breaches, with credential abuse as the top vector. By integrating CyberArk’s platform, Palo Alto Networks aims to extend privileged access controls to all identities, human, machine, and emerging AI agents, reducing standing privileges and accelerating breach responses by up to 80%.
Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk
CyberArk’s solutions remain available standalone while integration into Palo Alto’s ecosystem begins, promising no disruptions for existing users and an enhanced roadmap for efficiency and resilience.
This acquisition eliminates identity silos, enabling unified management across hybrid cloud environments alongside network security and operations tools. Customers gain comprehensive protection tailored for the AI era, where autonomous agents demand robust privilege controls.
Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, emphasized the strategic timing: “The emerging wave of AI agents will require us to secure every identity, human, machine, and agent.” He highlighted ending silos for trusted, end-to-end security. Matt Cohen, CyberArk’s CEO, called it a “win-win,” blending portfolios to halt identity-driven attacks and fueling innovation.
Shareholders receive $45 in cash and 2.2005 Palo Alto shares for each CyberArk ordinary share, marking Palo Alto’s largest acquisition. The company plans a secondary listing on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the “CYBR” ticker, honoring CyberArk’s Israeli roots and supporting its largest non-Silicon Valley R&D hub. Palo Alto’s Q2 FY2026 earnings call is set for February 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. PT.
This move cements Palo Alto’s leadership across network, cloud, operations, AI, and now identity security, serving over 70,000 customers via AI-powered platforms and Unit 42 intelligence.
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