NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks Form $1 Billion Alliance to Secure AI Growth

Global technology services giant NTT DATA has partnered with leading security provider Palo Alto Networks in a major $1 billion multi year deal to shield companies from online threats as they adopt artificial intelligence.

Under the newly expanded agreement, the two tech firms are joining forces to build powerful digital guardrails around modern business networks.

By combining advanced automated threat monitoring software with thousands of trained security experts, the partnership aims to help hospitals, banks, factories, and public agencies upgrade their systems safely without exposing sensitive files to online hackers.

The major international business agreement was formally announced on August 20, 2026, marking a three-year strategic deal aimed at generating $1 billion in shared sales by 2029.

As Palo Alto Networks’ first major partnership of this scale with a global IT services integrator, the joint program deploys more than 2,000 certified technical engineers alongside NTT DATA’s network of over 7,500 security experts and 20 global cyber defense centers.

The joint initiative focuses heavily on high risk sectors across major international markets where data protection laws are strict, and system outages cause heavy financial losses.

The primary reason for this massive financial and technical alliance is that artificial intelligence tools are changing how companies operate while making cyber attacks faster and more complex.

As businesses rush to install smart software, bad actors are using automated algorithms to break through traditional firewall protections and compromise digital worker accounts.

Many large organizations lack the specialized staff needed to monitor these new security risks around the clock. By combining Palo Alto’s threat tracking tools with NTT DATA’s hands on engineering assistance, companies can block digital intruders in real time and protect their computer networks.

Explaining why deep cooperation between top tech companies is necessary to protect modern businesses using artificial intelligence, Palo Alto Networks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nikesh Arora stated that “AI is reshaping both business and cybersecurity, making deep ecosystem collaboration more important than ever”.

Detailing how combining fast protective tools with expert human supervision helps global clients stay safe, Chief Executive Officer and Chief AI Officer at NTT DATA Abhijit Dubey stated that “AI is redefining every aspect of the enterprise, but it is also transforming the threat landscape at unprecedented speed”.

Emphasizing how the combined partnership gives companies a reliable defense system against fast-evolving software risks, Abhijit Dubey added that “together with Palo Alto Networks, we’re bringing AI powered cybersecurity innovation together with NTT DATA’s consulting, engineering and managed services capabilities to help clients securely accelerate AI adoption and stay ahead of evolving threats”.

By investing $1 billion into joint defense solutions, NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks are helping pave the way for safer digital transformation.

Providing companies with round the clock protection and expert guidance ensures that businesses can use artificial intelligence with confidence, keeping digital operations safe, fast, and reliable for millions of users worldwide.