Innovation and Technology
Palo Alto Networks Simplifies Cybersecurity With Cortex Cloud

Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex Cloud: Revolutionizing Cybersecurity with Unification and AI
With the average organization using dozens of cybersecurity tools, security and IT leaders are drowning in complexity and expense. According to Palo Alto Networks’ research, the average organization faces nearly 2 million security-related findings, making it impossible for security teams to prioritize and address all potential threats effectively.
Adding to this complexity, cloud infrastructure changes rapidly, creating an ever-evolving risk landscape. The company’s research shows that 45% of cloud infrastructure risks change monthly. Meanwhile, adversaries are using AI to deliver more effective attacks more efficiently, cutting their time to data theft in half over recent months. While attackers may benefit from new AI capabilities, new AI-infused security solutions will also benefit defenders.
Market research firms, such as Gartner and IDC, have predicted the convergence of cloud security and traditional security operations as a key trend that will minimize these challenges. For example, IDC’s “FutureScape: Worldwide Security and Trust 2024 Predictions” projected that by 2026, 60% of enterprises will consolidate their cloud security tools into unified platforms that integrate with security operations.
Cortex Cloud Aims to Improve and Simplify Security
Palo Alto Networks took this challenge head-on with the announcement of its Cortex Cloud platform. Cortex Cloud integrates and evolves its Prisma Cloud capabilities. This shift represents more than a simple rebranding for Palo Alto because it’s a fundamental re-architecture of the platform that aims to unify cloud security with security operations center (SOC) capabilities.
The platform integration enables security teams to see the complete picture of their security landscape, from application code to cloud infrastructure to runtime environments. Cortex Cloud also integrates with third-party security tools and scanners to preserve existing security investments while benefiting from unified analytics and automation. Specifically, the Cortex Cloud platform offers four components that enable companies to:
- Minimize application security vulnerabilities. Cortex Cloud identifies and prioritizes issues across the development pipeline with end-to-end context across code, runtime, cloud, and third-party scanners.
- Create unified cloud posture visibility. Cortex Cloud builds on Prisma Cloud’s capabilities. It unifies visibility in one natively integrated platform, including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM), data security posture management (DSPM), AI security posture management (AI-SPM), compliance, and vulnerability management (CWP).
- Update Cloud runtime features to stop attacks in real-time. Cortex Cloud natively integrates the unified Cortex XDR agent, enriched with additional cloud data sources, to prevent threats with advanced analytics.
- Deliver AI-driven SOC transformation. Cortex Cloud natively integrates cloud data, context, and workflows within Cortex XSIAM to significantly reduce the mean time required to respond (MTTR) to modern threats with a single, unified Security Operations (SecOps) solution.
How Does Cortex Cloud Benefit Buyers?
The platform’s unified approach brings several practical benefits, such as unified dashboards and reporting across all security functions. At the heart of Cortex Cloud is its unified data plane, which integrates data from various sources, including cloud posture, runtime, and application security. When security incidents occur, teams no longer need to manually coordinate between different departments and tools — all relevant information is available in one place, with unified reporting and consistent role-based access controls.
Cortex Cloud leverages advanced analytics and machine learning to prioritize alerts and security threat findings intelligently. The platform helps security teams focus on the most pressing issues that require immediate attention by considering factors such as threat intelligence, asset criticality, and risk profiles. This AI-powered approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed to identify and address potential security breaches, enabling organizations to respond more effectively to evolving threats. This contextual awareness is particularly valuable in complex, multi-layered cloud environments where the relationships between different components can be challenging to discern.
One of the other key benefits of Cortex Cloud is its automation capabilities. The platform can automatically remediate specific security issues, such as misconfigurations, without manual intervention. This feature reduces the workload on security teams and ensures that potential vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of exploitation. By automating routine tasks, Cortex Cloud empowers security professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives and proactive threat hunting.
Meeting Customers Where They Are
Palo Alto Networks’ move can potentially disrupt existing market prices by offering all multiple capabilities in a single package rather than requiring separate purchases for different controls. In one case, Palo Alto Networks demonstrated how its pricing would compare with that of one of its competitors using publicly available rates on the AWS Marketplace. In that scenario, the Cortex Cloud pricing was approximately 50% less than competitive solutions while providing more comprehensive coverage. But this doesn’t translate into a one-size-fits-all buying approach for customers. For existing Prisma Cloud customers, Palo Alto Networks offers flexible migration options, including like-for-like upgrades at no additional cost. The company emphasizes that adding the new Cloud Runtime Security or SOC capabilities is optional, and buyers can work with channel partners and their sales representatives to select what’s right for the organization.
Accelerating the Industry Shift
The announcement represents a significant shift in how enterprise security and cloud teams could achieve a more holistic security approach. Rather than treating cloud security as a separate domain, organizations can now manage it as part of their broader security operations strategy with shared intelligence, unified workflows, and automated responses. For organizations struggling with alert fatigue and siloed security tools, Palo Alto Networks’ integrated approach could provide a more manageable and effective way to secure their cloud environments.
Conclusion
Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex Cloud represents a significant leap forward in simplifying and improving an organization’s ability to prevent cybersecurity threats. By unifying cloud security with security operations center capabilities, the platform offers a more comprehensive and effective way to secure cloud environments. With its AI-powered approach, automated remediation, and unified analytics, Cortex Cloud is poised to revolutionize the way organizations approach cloud security.
FAQs
- What is Cortex Cloud?
Cortex Cloud is a unified platform that integrates cloud security with security operations center (SOC) capabilities, offering a more comprehensive and effective way to secure cloud environments. - What are the benefits of Cortex Cloud?
Cortex Cloud offers several benefits, including unified dashboards and reporting, AI-powered threat detection and remediation, and automated threat response. - How does Cortex Cloud differ from other security solutions?
Cortex Cloud differs from other security solutions in its unified approach, which integrates cloud security with security operations center (SOC) capabilities, offering a more comprehensive and effective way to secure cloud environments. - How does Cortex Cloud reduce the risk of security breaches?
Cortex Cloud reduces the risk of security breaches by identifying and prioritizing potential threats, automating threat response, and providing a more comprehensive and effective way to secure cloud environments.
Innovation and Technology
Measuring DEIA Success: Software Solutions for Tracking Progress

Software and platforms for DEIA are revolutionizing the way organizations approach diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. With the help of technology, companies can now track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to create a more inclusive work environment. In this article, we will explore the importance of measuring DEIA success and the software solutions available to support this effort.
Why Measure DEIA Success?
Measuring DEIA success is crucial for organizations to understand the effectiveness of their diversity and inclusion initiatives. It helps to identify areas where the organization is excelling and areas that need improvement. By tracking progress, companies can make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategy development. Moreover, measuring DEIA success demonstrates an organization’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, which can improve employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance.
Benefits of Measuring DEIA Success
The benefits of measuring DEIA success are numerous. It allows organizations to create a baseline for future initiatives, track the impact of diversity and inclusion programs, and identify opportunities for growth and development. Additionally, measuring DEIA success helps to foster a culture of accountability and transparency, which is essential for building trust and credibility with employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Software Solutions for Tracking DEIA Progress
There are various software solutions available to help organizations track their DEIA progress. These solutions offer a range of features, including data analytics, survey tools, and reporting capabilities. Some popular software solutions include diversity and inclusion platforms, HR management systems, and survey and feedback tools.
Diversity and Inclusion Platforms
Diversity and inclusion platforms are designed specifically to support DEIA initiatives. These platforms offer features such as diversity and inclusion training, resource libraries, and community forums. They also provide analytics and reporting capabilities to help organizations track their progress and identify areas for improvement. Examples of diversity and inclusion platforms include Culture Amp, Diversity Lab, and Paradigm.
HR Management Systems
HR management systems are another type of software solution that can be used to track DEIA progress. These systems offer features such as employee data management, performance tracking, and reporting capabilities. They can also be used to manage diversity and inclusion initiatives, such as training programs and employee resource groups. Examples of HR management systems include Workday, BambooHR, and ADP.
Survey and Feedback Tools
Survey and feedback tools are essential for gathering data and insights on employee experiences and perceptions. These tools can be used to conduct regular surveys, gather feedback, and track employee engagement. Examples of survey and feedback tools include SurveyMonkey, Medallia, and 15Five.
Best Practices for Implementing DEIA Software Solutions
Implementing DEIA software solutions requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to consider:
Define Clear Goals and Objectives
Before implementing a DEIA software solution, it’s essential to define clear goals and objectives. This includes identifying the specific metrics to be tracked, the frequency of data collection, and the stakeholders who will be involved in the process.
Choose the Right Software Solution
Choosing the right software solution is critical to the success of DEIA initiatives. Consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, and customization options when selecting a software solution.
Ensure Data Quality and Integrity
Data quality and integrity are essential for accurate tracking and analysis. Ensure that data is accurate, complete, and consistent, and that it is collected and stored in a secure and compliant manner.
Communicate with Stakeholders
Effective communication is critical to the success of DEIA initiatives. Communicate with stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives, to ensure that everyone is aware of the goals, objectives, and progress of DEIA initiatives.
Overcoming Challenges and Limitations
Implementing DEIA software solutions can be challenging, and there are several limitations to consider. These include data quality issues, lack of stakeholder engagement, and limited resources.
Data Quality Issues
Data quality issues can be a significant challenge when implementing DEIA software solutions. Ensure that data is accurate, complete, and consistent, and that it is collected and stored in a secure and compliant manner.
Lack of Stakeholder Engagement
Lack of stakeholder engagement can be a significant limitation when implementing DEIA software solutions. Communicate with stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives, to ensure that everyone is aware of the goals, objectives, and progress of DEIA initiatives.
Limited Resources
Limited resources can be a significant challenge when implementing DEIA software solutions. Consider factors such as budget, personnel, and technology infrastructure when selecting a software solution.
Conclusion
Measuring DEIA success is critical to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Software solutions can help organizations track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. By following best practices and overcoming challenges and limitations, organizations can ensure the success of their DEIA initiatives and create a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about measuring DEIA success and software solutions:
What is DEIA, and why is it important?
DEIA stands for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It’s essential for creating a workplace culture that values and respects all employees, regardless of their background, identity, or ability.
How can software solutions help with DEIA initiatives?
Software solutions can help organizations track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. They offer features such as data analytics, survey tools, and reporting capabilities.
What are some best practices for implementing DEIA software solutions?
Best practices include defining clear goals and objectives, choosing the right software solution, ensuring data quality and integrity, and communicating with stakeholders.
What are some common challenges and limitations when implementing DEIA software solutions?
Common challenges and limitations include data quality issues, lack of stakeholder engagement, and limited resources.
How can organizations overcome these challenges and limitations?
Organizations can overcome these challenges and limitations by ensuring data quality and integrity, communicating with stakeholders, and considering factors such as budget, personnel, and technology infrastructure when selecting a software solution.
Innovation and Technology
5 Powerful AI Prompts to Boost Business Ideas

So you’ve got a great business idea. It’s a start, but there’s a lot of work to put in between here and getting it off the ground. Fortunately, this is a field where generative AI can be extremely helpful. No, it won’t come up with foolproof strategies. But it can help you brainstorm business plans, research your market and fine-tune marketing content and messaging.
It’s not as easy as plugging your instructions into ChatGPT and expecting it to do all the hard work for you, though. In order to produce good results, timesaving genAI tools need good prompts that clearly explain what you want to achieve. So here are five examples of prompts that can help business owners and entrepreneurs with critical planning, administrative and research tasks, freeing their time to focus on their ideas and aspirations.
Validating Business Ideas with AI
You might be sure your idea is a zinger, but ChatGPT’s evaluation is likely to give you something to think about. To validate a business idea, you can use the following prompt:
Please act as an expert business mentor and help me to validate my business idea. Please evaluate my idea with reference to market opportunity, problem-market fit, differentiation from competition, the viability of the business model, feasibility and scalability. Provide a one-sentence summary of your assessment of the validity of the business idea, and a more detailed but still concise report critiquing the idea and making suggestions for improvement or further thought. Here is my idea [insert idea].
Personalized Business Plan Generation
It’s easy to type “generate a business plan for a florist” but you won’t get anything useful. Instead, ask ChatGPT to walk you through the steps needed to get something bespoke. The prompt for generating a personalized business plan is:
Please act as an expert business advisor who is helping me generate a formal business plan based on my idea. Ask me questions, one at a time, to gather the most important information you need. When you have enough information, generate a complete business plan in the following format: Executive Summary, Problem and Solution, Target Market, Business Model, Marketing And Sales Strategy, Operational Plan, and Financial Overview. Output the plan as both a one-pager and a lengthier but still concise deep-dive.
Crafting Professional Emails to Potential Customers
First impressions count, so introduce yourself with a polished and professional email. The prompt for writing an email to a potential customer is:
Please help me write a letter of introduction to send to a potential client for my [insert business] business. It should focus on the key benefits of my [products/services] which are [insert benefits eg saves time, improves safety] and our unique selling point which is [describe USP]. Generate a professional, engaging email designed to maximize the chance of getting a response.
Generating a Branding Package
More advanced chatbot models like GPT-4 can do amazing image generation, but I’ve still had difficulty getting them to output in the right file formats. This prompt analyzes your brand and generates instructions for a designer to create your branding. The prompt is:
Act as an expert in branding and design. I need you to generate a branding package for my business including a logo, brand mark, letterhead, color palette, and typography. First, ask me questions about my business and brand, one at a time, to establish the information you need to create our branding. Then, create detailed instructions that can be given to a designer so they can create the branding assets. The instructions should include details on the visual design, dimensions, and required file formats for all assets.
Writing a Compelling Elevator Pitch
Every business needs a pitch that communicates its business proposition clearly, concisely and persuasively. The prompt for writing an elevator pitch is:
Act as a business communications expert and help me create a clear, compelling elevator pitch for my business idea. Ask me up to three specific questions, one at a time, to gather the key information you need in order to generate a persuasive and attention-grabbing elevator pitch that is clear and easy to say, focused on our business value, customer proposition and USPs, and no more than 80 words in length.
Prompt Engineering – The Future Of Work
The prompts here are designed to get you thinking about the capabilities of generative AI in small business and entrepreneurship. If they don’t do exactly what you need, it should be easy to use them as templates for writing your own personalized prompts. I believe that as AI becomes more ubiquitous, our ability to work with machines will increasingly define our success. Learning how to write efficient and effective prompts today is a great way to get to grips with AI, and stay up-to-date on the opportunities out there.
Conclusion
Generative AI is a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs and startup founders with various tasks, from validating business ideas to creating compelling pitches. By using well-crafted prompts, business owners can leverage the capabilities of AI to save time, increase efficiency, and improve their chances of success. As AI continues to evolve, it is essential to develop the skills to work effectively with machines and harness their potential to drive business growth.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of using AI prompts in entrepreneurship?
A: The primary purpose of using AI prompts is to leverage the capabilities of generative AI to save time, increase efficiency, and improve the chances of success in various business tasks.
Q: How can I use AI prompts to validate my business idea?
A: You can use the prompt: “Please act as an expert business mentor and help me to validate my business idea…” to get an evaluation of your idea and suggestions for improvement.
Q: Can AI prompts help me generate a personalized business plan?
A: Yes, you can use the prompt: “Please act as an expert business advisor who is helping me generate a formal business plan based on my idea…” to get a customized business plan.
Q: How can I use AI prompts to write a professional email to a potential customer?
A: You can use the prompt: “Please help me write a letter of introduction to send to a potential client for my [insert business] business…” to get a polished and professional email.
Q: Can AI prompts help me generate a branding package for my business?
A: Yes, you can use the prompt: “Act as an expert in branding and design…” to get detailed instructions for a designer to create your branding assets.
Q: How can I use AI prompts to write a compelling elevator pitch?
A: You can use the prompt: “Act as a business communications expert and help me create a clear, compelling elevator pitch for my business idea…” to get a persuasive and attention-grabbing pitch.
Innovation and Technology
The Impact of Edge Computing on the Workplace: What It Means for Your Business

Emerging tech trends in workplaces are revolutionizing the way we work, and edge computing is at the forefront of this transformation. With the increasing demand for faster data processing and analysis, edge computing is poised to change the face of business operations. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of edge computing and explore its impact on the workplace.
What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing refers to the processing and analysis of data at the edge of a network, closer to the source of the data. This approach reduces latency, improves real-time processing, and enables faster decision-making. By minimizing the need for data to travel to a centralized cloud or data center, edge computing enhances the overall efficiency of business operations.
Key Characteristics of Edge Computing
Edge computing has several key characteristics that set it apart from traditional computing methods. These include reduced latency, improved real-time processing, and enhanced security. With edge computing, data is processed and analyzed in real-time, allowing for faster decision-making and improved business outcomes.
Benefits of Edge Computing in the Workplace
The benefits of edge computing in the workplace are numerous. Some of the most significant advantages include improved efficiency, enhanced security, and increased productivity. By processing data in real-time, edge computing enables businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and make data-driven decisions.
Improved Efficiency
Edge computing improves efficiency by reducing the need for data to travel to a centralized cloud or data center. This reduces latency and enables faster processing, allowing businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions. With edge computing, businesses can automate tasks, streamline processes, and improve overall productivity.
Enhanced Security
Edge computing also enhances security by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to a centralized cloud or data center. This reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks, protecting sensitive business information. With edge computing, businesses can implement robust security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect their data.
Applications of Edge Computing in the Workplace
Edge computing has a wide range of applications in the workplace, from industrial automation to smart buildings. Some of the most significant applications include real-time analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Real-Time Analytics
Edge computing enables real-time analytics, allowing businesses to analyze data as it is generated. This enables businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. With edge computing, businesses can analyze data from various sources, including sensors, machines, and devices.
Artificial Intelligence
Edge computing also enables the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. By processing data in real-time, edge computing enables businesses to use AI algorithms to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions. With edge computing, businesses can implement AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and other AI-powered tools.
Challenges and Limitations of Edge Computing
While edge computing offers numerous benefits, it also presents several challenges and limitations. Some of the most significant challenges include data management, security, and scalability.
Data Management
Edge computing requires effective data management, including data storage, processing, and analysis. Businesses must implement robust data management strategies to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and secure. With edge computing, businesses must also ensure that data is properly backed up and recovered in case of a disaster.
Security
Edge computing also presents security challenges, including the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks. Businesses must implement robust security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive business information. With edge computing, businesses must also ensure that devices and equipment are properly secured and monitored.
Best Practices for Implementing Edge Computing
To implement edge computing effectively, businesses must follow best practices, including assessing business needs, developing a strategic plan, and implementing robust security measures.
Assessing Business Needs
Businesses must assess their business needs and identify areas where edge computing can add value. This includes analyzing business processes, identifying bottlenecks, and determining the types of data that need to be processed and analyzed.
Developing a Strategic Plan
Businesses must develop a strategic plan for implementing edge computing, including identifying the types of devices and equipment needed, developing a data management strategy, and implementing robust security measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, edge computing is revolutionizing the workplace by enabling faster data processing and analysis. With its numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, enhanced security, and increased productivity, edge computing is poised to change the face of business operations. By following best practices and addressing challenges and limitations, businesses can implement edge computing effectively and achieve significant benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is edge computing?
Edge computing refers to the processing and analysis of data at the edge of a network, closer to the source of the data.
What are the benefits of edge computing?
The benefits of edge computing include improved efficiency, enhanced security, and increased productivity.
What are the applications of edge computing in the workplace?
The applications of edge computing in the workplace include real-time analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
What are the challenges and limitations of edge computing?
The challenges and limitations of edge computing include data management, security, and scalability.
How can businesses implement edge computing effectively?
Businesses can implement edge computing effectively by assessing business needs, developing a strategic plan, and implementing robust security measures.
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