AI: The good, the bad, and the unpredictable

Welcome to March’s SASE Insider. This month, we’re talking AI—how it’s changing security with automated defense, real-time threat detection, and a serious edge for IT teams. But threat actors aren’t sitting this one out. They’re manipulating AI, breaking safeguards, and using it against the good guys. AI is here to stay, but who controls it—us or the attackers? Read on to learn the AI risks enterprises can’t ignore, and how to stay safe.?

Transform your enterprise security strategy at SASEfy 2025?

Join us live on April 15 at 12:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CET for the ultimate SASE and AI global virtual event!??

SASE and AI are redefining how enterprises protect their networks, people, and data—with speed, adaptability, and resilience. At SASEfy 2025, the pioneers behind the first true SASE platform will break down the SASE and AI market, attack trends, AI-driven defense strategies, and the future of IT security. Seats are filling up fast. Register now.??

TL;DR?

• Is AI our biggest ally and our biggest threat? As enterprises rush to integrate it, hackers are rushing to use it against them. From autonomous Agentic AI to Shadow IT to Deepfake phishing, attackers are finding new ways to exploit AI’s power. Cato’s chief security strategist breaks down nine emerging threats in Forbes—what enterprises need to know, and how to fight back.??

• Legacy NGFWs weren’t built for the realities of today’s enterprise. Cloud adoption, hybrid work, and IT complexity demand flexibility. FWaaS removes hardware headaches and limitations, streamlines security, and gets enterprises moving on the road to SASE. Enterprises don’t need appliances—they need agility.??

• Cato CTRL has discovered Ballista—an IoT Botnet targeting unpatched TP-link routers through a remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2023-1389). Over 6,000 devices have already been infected in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology organizations, allowing attackers to execute remote commands, steal data, and launch DoS attacks. The botnet is evolving, and using TOR domains to stay hidden. If you have Cato, you’re protected. If not, patch your router right now.?

Snippets?

• Vendor swears your security is solid, right? Only independent testing will tell you if you’re good with what you’ve got—or if SASE might be better. See how SafeBreach tests your stack in our webinar.?

• Hackers are tricking Agentic AI into breaking its own rules. From prompt injections to jailbreak techniques—Here’s how they’re doing it.?

• Chat with the Cato team at RSAC 2025! Want to see what a true SASE platform can do? Book a meeting with us at booth #4415 in the North Expo.?

• Cato’s AI just got smarter with Amazon Bedrock. No complex queries or manual data analysis—just ask AI, and get answers.??
• Getting ready to shift to SASE? Are your people ready too? Manage the human side of SASE change using ADKAR’s 5 stages.???

For more updates, visit https://www.catonetworks.com/

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