Palo Alto Networks launches Network Security Agents in Strata Cloud Manager (PAN-OS 12.2)

Palo Alto Networks announced (Aug 20, 2026) Network Security Agents built into Strata Cloud Manager as part of PAN-OS 12.2 Ceres — AI agents that interpret administrator intent, gather context, build explainable plans, and execute governed actions (with human approval gates) for network security operations, troubleshooting, and policy work.

This is a GA agentic-SOC capability from a top-tier network security vendor, moving from reactive playbooks to AI agents that can investigate and act on network security operations at scale, with built-in human-approval governance.

Network security administrators and SOC teams on Strata Cloud Manager should pilot Network Security Agents for troubleshooting/compliance workflows, starting with human-in-the-loop approval before expanding autonomy.