NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks Form Global Alliance for Secure AI

NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks have announced a global strategic partnership to support organizations in adopting artificial intelligence securely and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

The partnership, announced on August 20, 2026, aims to help clients modernize their technology environments and strengthen their resilience to cyber threats in the AI era. The alliance represents Palo Alto Networks’ first collaboration of this kind with a global systems integrator.

The agreement combines Palo Alto Networks’ AI-driven cybersecurity platforms and threat intelligence with NTT DATA’s consulting, engineering, and managed services. Both companies plan to use joint engineering and co-innovation to deliver solutions worldwide, utilizing more than 2,000 Palo Alto Networks-certified professionals.

NTT DATA contributes over 7,500 cybersecurity professionals, more than 70 delivery centers, and upwards of 20 Autonomous Cyber Defense Centers to the alliance. The partnership builds on a previous collaboration, known as the Frontier AI alliance, which focused on closing security gaps and improving resilience against AI-powered threats.

What the numbers show

• The alliance was announced on August 20, 2026.
• US$1 billion in joint business is targeted by 2029.
• NTT DATA brings over 7,500 cybersecurity professionals to the partnership.

Initial offerings from the alliance will address cybersecurity needs in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and the public sector. These solutions will focus on six transformation areas: Autonomous Security Operations Centers, AI governance, identity security, Zero Trust and SASE, resilient cloud services, and firewall modernization.

The alliance will leverage coordinated global delivery and a large pool of certified professionals to simplify complex technology environments for clients. By combining their resources, both companies intend to help organizations manage risks associated with AI adoption and evolving cyber threats.

Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered platforms and Unit 42 threat intelligence will be integrated with NTT DATA’s expertise in consulting and managed services. This approach is designed to provide comprehensive cybersecurity coverage and support for digital transformation initiatives.

The partnership’s focus on innovation and joint engineering is expected to address the increasing complexity of cybersecurity challenges across multiple industries. The companies plan to continue building on their previous collaborations to deliver solutions that meet the demands of the AI era.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.