Cybersecurity

Passwordless authentication is rapidly gaining traction, with 92% of CISOs planning or having implemented solutions to improve security and UX. Companies like UTI, R Systems, and Diversus Health are adopting methods like biometrics and certificate-based authentication. The drivers include reducing password resets, enhancing security against phishing, and streamlining compliance. Effective communication and user education are vital for successful deployment. Passwordless authentication improves productivity, strengthens security, and supports zero-trust architecture.

CrowdStrike is a leader in cybersecurity, driven by innovative, AI-powered solutions. Analysts predict significant growth, citing untapped markets in AI ecosystem and cloud infrastructure security. CEO Kurtz emphasizes the “agentic revolution” and its potential to drastically expand the addressable market. Despite a past IT outage, CrowdStrike maintained its customer base. While rival Palo Alto Networks also shows platformization trends, CrowdStrike’s scalable Falcon platform and focus on cloud security position it for continued success in a growing cybersecurity market fueled by AI.

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) reported strong fiscal Q1 earnings, exceeding expectations with $2.47 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of 93 cents. The company also announced a $3.35 billion acquisition of Chronosphere, a cloud observability platform, linked to the rise of AI. While revenue grew 16% year-over-year, net income slightly decreased. Despite positive guidance, PANW stock dipped in after-hours trading. Investors are watching increased capital expenditures and the integration of CyberArk and Chronosphere for long-term impacts. Remaining purchase obligations grew, showcasing continued demand.

On November 18, 2025, Cloudflare, a key internet infrastructure and cybersecurity firm, experienced a significant service outage, disrupting numerous websites globally. The disruption, traced to an oversized automatically generated configuration file, impacted platforms like Shopify, Indeed, and even Downdetector. While most services were restored within hours, the incident highlighted the reliance on intermediary services and the potential for cascading failures. The outage, which followed recent disruptions at AWS and Azure, underscores the vulnerability of concentrated internet infrastructure and raised questions about Cloudflare’s long-term stability, causing its stock to dip.

Radware (RDWR) launched its LLM Firewall, an addition to its Cloud Application Protection Services, on November 18, 2025. The LLM Firewall is designed to protect enterprises integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) by securing LLM prompts and responses against attacks like prompt injection and sensitive data exfiltration. It uses real-time, AI-based protection at the prompt level and a model-agnostic design to integrate across platforms and help comply with data protection standards. It addresses OWASP Top 10 Risks for LLMs and Gen AI Apps.

Cybersecurity is crucial in 2025, with AI playing a key role in both attacks and defense. Investors focus on firms translating defense into revenue and profitability. The rising attack surface due to cloud adoption and AI integration benefits companies like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks, which offer comprehensive, AI-driven platforms. Cybersecurity vendors are valued based on Annual Recurring Revenue. These companies are at the forefront, leveraging AI and integrated platforms to protect against evolving threats, creating a non-discretionary expense for businesses.

Concerns are rising within the cybersecurity community about declining US cyber defense capabilities, particularly with the rise of AI-powered attacks. Budget cuts to key agencies like CISA and the lapse of information-sharing legislation are hindering preparedness. Experts cite a lack of federal leadership, stalled appointments, and a shift of responsibility to under-resourced private entities. The rollback of software security regulations and fragmented industry coordination exacerbate vulnerabilities. Experts warn of a “death by a thousand papercuts” and emphasize the need for stronger government support and coordination.

BIO-key International (BKYI) will release its Q3 2025 results before market open on November 14, 2025, followed by an investor call at 10:00 a.m. ET. CEO Mike DePasquale and CFO Cecilia Welch will lead the call, discussing company performance and strategic initiatives. A live webcast and replay will be available to investors. The call will include a Q&A session, and the webcast replay will be accessible for three months. Dial-in details are provided for both U.S. and international participants.

Cybersecurity firm 1Password, backed by celebrity investors, surpasses $400 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). CEO David Faugno anticipates exceeding $1 billion ARR, driven by increasing cyber threats fueled by AI. 1Password secures over 1.3 billion credentials for 180,000 businesses including IBM and Salesforce. The company, valued at $6.8 billion, strategically appointed new executives and is considering a potential IPO in 2026 or 2027, focusing on sustained growth and product innovation.

Cybersecurity startup Armis, specializing in connected device security, raised $435 million, valuing the company at $6.1 billion. Led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the funding will fuel growth and address the increasing demand for IoT, OT, and medical device security. Armis’ platform helps organizations discover, secure, and manage connected devices, providing threat detection and mitigation. CEO Yevgeny Dibrov sees Goldman Sachs as an ideal partner for a future IPO, targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, with a near-term goal of reaching $1 billion in ARR.