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Cisco and ServiceNow Strengthen Partnership for AI Security

In a significant move unveiled during the RSA Conference 2025, Cisco and ServiceNow have announced a deepened partnership aimed at simplifying and securing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations. By honing in on the complexities that businesses face when scaling AI technologies, both companies are set to provide a robust solution that harmonizes security, governance, and operational workflows.

The collaboration is designed to bring together Cisco's extensive infrastructure and security capabilities with ServiceNow's innovative AI-driven platform. This integration promises to enhance the security measures surrounding AI technologies, addressing a growing concern among enterprises navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape. One of the cornerstone offerings of this partnership will be the joint development of Cisco's AI Defense capabilities alongside ServiceNow's Security Operations (SecOps). This combination will enable customers to manage AI risks more effectively, ensuring a streamlined and secure approach to governance and application management.

According to Scott Crawford, Research Director at SP Global Market Intelligence, there is a pressing demand among customers for solutions that simplify their technological processes. His research indicated that, on average, organizations allocate 36% of their budget to a single vendor in an attempt to reduce complexity. This desire resonates particularly well in the AI space where enterprises are eager to innovate while ensuring that robust security measures are in place.

The integration of AI into business operations signals not just a wave of innovation but also introduces unprecedented risks. Traditional cybersecurity measures may not adequately tackle the unique challenges posed by AI technologies. Thus, a revised approach focusing on comprehensive management and oversight of AI is essential for maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with quality standards. Cisco and ServiceNow's strategy aims at equipping enterprises to embody these principles effectively, empowering them to adopt AI innovations at scale with greater confidence.

Jeetu Patel, EVP and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, emphasized that adopting the appropriate safety protocols would help accelerate AI integration, contrasting with past notions that security could hinder technological evolvement. He affirmed, "The integration of ServiceNow and Cisco AI Defense will provide organizations with the stability they need to manage AI-related risks and compliance—an important step as these models grow dynamically."

In addition to enabling a secure AI landscape, the partnership also aims to create a cohesive experience for AI teams, security teams, and governance teams operating within organizations. As businesses navigate the intricate paths of AI, the need for clearer visibility into their applications and security practices becomes crucial. Cisco and ServiceNow’s collaboration promises to bridge this divide by delivering integrated solutions that blend discovery of AI workloads with operational oversight and security measures.

Key offerings envisioned under this partnership include:

• - Visibility: Cisco AI Defense will enhance the discovery of AI workloads, models, and data by associating them with applications and services integrated into the ServiceNow platform.
• - Vulnerability Management: Automated assessments of vulnerabilities will be conducted via Cisco AI Defense, with results being channeled into ServiceNow. This process ensures findings are triaged and addressed diligently.
• - Real-time Protection: Cisco’s AI Runtime Protection will furnish real-time safety nets for AI applications, with ServiceNow's Security Posture Control identifying any coverage gaps.
• - Incident Response: Essential telemetry from AI applications will flow from Cisco AI Defense to ServiceNow Security Incident Response, enhancing security operations on vulnerabilities and threats.
• - Governance: Facilitating the mapping of Cisco's AI Defense controls against applicable standards via ServiceNow's Integrated Risk Management will allow firms to enforce compliance and measure effectiveness in their AI governance strategies.

As test trials for this plan are set to commence shortly, both companies anticipate delivering this integration to their mutual customers in the latter half of 2025. Furthermore, the partnership marks an evolution of the existing collaboration that has spanned seven years, highlighting a shared commitment to innovate in the AI space. As organizations endeavor to transform and enhance their operations, Cisco and ServiceNow are paving the way for simplified solutions tailored to meet customer needs, marrying technological evolution with security.

About Cisco

Cisco, a global technology leader, has been at the forefront of connecting and protecting organizations worldwide for over 40 years. Focused on pioneering AI-driven solutions, Cisco aims to unlock innovation and improve productivity while ensuring digital resilience in the evolving tech landscape. Its mission centers on fostering a connected, inclusive future. For more details, visit Cisco’s newsroom or follow them on X at @Cisco.

About ServiceNow

ServiceNow stands as a formidable player in deploying AI for transformative business solutions. The company's mission harmonizes the pace of innovation with a human-centered approach, ensuring that their products and services foster productivity and optimized business outcomes across various industries. For more insights on their offerings, visit www.servicenow.com.