Protect AI
Game-changing security for AI, now part of Palo Alto Networks' Prisma AIRS
Overview
Protect AI was one of the earliest and most credible pure-play AI/ML security companies, built by former Amazon and Oracle security engineers who understood that models themselves (not just the applications wrapping them) are an attack surface. Its Guardian, Recon, and Layer products cover the full ML lifecycle from model scanning to red teaming to runtime defense, and its open-source contributions (like the ModelScan and NB Defense tools) built real credibility in the ML security research community before the acquisition.
Since Palo Alto Networks completed its ~$500M+ acquisition in July 2025, Protect AI's technology is being integrated into Prisma AIRS, Palo Alto's broader AI security platform. The product pages are still live and functional, but buyers should expect the roadmap, pricing, and support model to increasingly follow Palo Alto's enterprise playbook rather than an independent startup's. For existing Palo Alto customers this consolidation is a plus; for teams wanting a lightweight, standalone AI security point solution, it now comes with the complexity (and cost) of a larger platform sale.
Key Features
Guardian (Model Scanning): Scans ML models for malicious code, serialization exploits, and supply chain risks before deployment.
Recon (AI Red Teaming): Automated adversarial testing of AI models and applications to surface exploitable vulnerabilities.
Layer (Runtime Protection): Real-time monitoring and protection for deployed AI models and agents against runtime attacks.
AI Model Inventory: Discovers and catalogs ML models across an organization's environment for posture visibility.
Vulnerability Database: Maintains a research-backed database of known ML model and AI supply chain vulnerabilities.
Pricing
Starting price
Custom pricing only, contact sales (now sold via Palo Alto Networks' Prisma AIRS)
Custom Enterprise: Pricing is quote-based and now negotiated through Palo Alto Networks' Prisma AIRS sales channel; not publicly listed.
Open Source Tools: Some scanning tools (e.g., ModelScan) remain free and open-source, usable independently of the paid platform.
Disclaimer: pricing may change, confirm on Protect AI's own site or with Palo Alto Networks' sales team before buying.
Pros
Full ML lifecycle coverage: Guardian, Recon, and Layer together cover model scanning, red teaming, and runtime protection in one product family.
Strong research credibility: Built on genuine open-source security research and a well-regarded vulnerability database for ML models.
Now backed by Palo Alto Networks: Acquisition brings enterprise-grade support, integration, and resources beyond what a standalone startup could offer.
Cons
Post-acquisition uncertainty: Roadmap and standalone positioning are being absorbed into Prisma AIRS, so long-term product identity may shift.
No public pricing: Requires a sales conversation, likely bundled into broader Palo Alto Networks platform deals going forward.
Best suited to Palo Alto ecosystem buyers: Teams not already invested in Palo Alto's platform may find the sales motion heavier than a pure point-solution purchase.
What Makes It Unique
Model-layer security, not just app-layer: Protect AI was built specifically to secure the ML model artifact and supply chain itself (serialization exploits, malicious weights, model provenance), a layer most application-focused AI security tools don't touch.
Kay Score
7
/ 10
Tool Information
Pricing
Custom pricing only, contact sales (now sold via Palo Alto Networks' Prisma AIRS)
Category
Coding & Development
Platform
Web / iOS / Android
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