Cisco Says AI 'Changed the Game' After Lagging Behind Competitors in Cybersecurity

A Cisco Systems (CSCO) executive admitted that the company lagged behind all its competitors in the cybersecurity market over the past decade, but now believes artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the game in its favor.

Details

During an investor conference, Jeff Reed, Cisco's Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity, said the company has transformed from a networking-focused vendor rarely mentioned in security discussions into a major player in one of technology's fastest-growing markets. He added that AI has become a key enabler of Cisco's defensive capabilities.

Context

The remarks come amid rapid growth in the cybersecurity market, with cyberattacks increasing and evolving. Cisco faces stiff competition from companies like Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Fortinet (FTNT), and CrowdStrike (CRWD).

What It Means for Investors

Despite internal optimism, Cisco still faces challenges in regaining market share. Investors should monitor growth indicators in Cisco's cybersecurity segment, especially as reliance on AI in security solutions increases.