Israeli cybersecurity firm Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security in its first-ever acquisition, purchasing AI security startup Aim Security and aiming to strengthen defenses against the fast-evolving risks tied to artificial intelligence adoption.
Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security, this move integrates Aim’s AI-specific threat protection into Cato’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, which already combines cloud-based networking and security functions. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Alongside the acquisition, Cato extended its Series G funding round with an additional $50 million from Acrew Capital, bringing the total to $409 million.
Addressing AI-Specific Threats
As enterprises rapidly adopt generative AI applications, new vulnerabilities are emerging that traditional security tools struggle to address. Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security to mitigate these risks across three areas:
- Securing employee interactions with public AI tools,
- Protecting proprietary AI systems from misuse or exposure,
- Embedding security into AI development lifecycles.
The startup drew attention earlier this year after identifying EchoLeak, a zero-click AI vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Copilot. The flaw demonstrated how AI-powered productivity tools can be exploited without user interaction, creating new attack surfaces that organizations must defend.
“AI transformation will eclipse digital transformation as the main force shaping enterprises over the next decade,” said Shlomo Kramer, co-founder and CEO of Cato Networks. “With Aim Security, we’re equipping our SASE platform with advanced AI defenses to secure enterprises against these next-generation threats.”
Expanding Cybersecurity Capabilities
Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security, this illustrates a broader industry trend: cybersecurity providers are consolidating capabilities to stay ahead of evolving threats. In recent months, Palo Alto Networks agreed to acquire CyberArk Software in a $25 billion deal to expand its identity security portfolio, while Varonis bought SlashNext, an AI-driven email security company, for $150 million.
Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security in a move that differentiates itself by directly targeting the intersection of networking, cloud security, and AI risk management. Integrating Aim’s technology into its SASE platform provides enterprises with a single solution to protect against both traditional cyberattacks and AI-enabled threats.
Deployment Timeline
Cato announced it will begin offering AI-enhanced protections through its SASE platform in early 2026, with existing customers able to transition from standalone AI security solutions to integrated capabilities. By embedding AI safeguards directly into the network and security stack, the company aims to reduce complexity and improve detection and response speed.
Implications for the Cybersecurity Landscape
The rise of groups exploiting AI-driven vulnerabilities underscores the urgency of specialized defenses. As generative AI tools become embedded in workflows, adversaries are expected to exploit weaknesses ranging from prompt injection attacks to data exfiltration via AI models.
For cybersecurity leaders, Cato Networks Acquires Aim Security signals a shift toward platform-based AI protection, where enterprises seek unified systems instead of fragmented tools. The integration of Aim’s expertise strengthens Cato’s positioning as not only a SASE provider but also an early mover in AI-native cybersecurity.
“AI is changing the threat landscape faster than any technology before it,” Kramer said. “Our goal is to ensure enterprises can harness its power without compromising security.”
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