Palo Alto Networks has introduced PAN-OS 12.2 Ceres, a firewall operating system update that adds more than 55 innovations aimed at attacks accelerated by frontier AI. The release centers on Advanced Virtual Patching, Advanced IP Defense and six AI-powered Network Security Agents. Palo Alto Networks said the feature is delivered as a PAN-OS software upgrade for existing network security customers, with automatic content updates and no new hardware. The Network Security Agents are available through Strata Cloud Manager and can automate onboarding, configuration, threat assessment and troubleshooting tasks. Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 research cited in the announcement said its NOVA system identified more than 14,000 previously unknown vulnerabilities in two months.