Netskope has announced new artificial intelligence capabilities in its security platform, including AI-powered assistants aimed at optimizing zero trust network access.
The company is introducing several advancements in the Netskope One platform, particularly the Netskope One Copilot for private access to leverage AI. We are introducing a Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) deployment and previewing Netskope Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to connect Netskope models (LLMS) to Netskope controls.
AI and security
Netskope Threat Labs reports that Shadow AI (unauthorized use of AI applications by employees) constitutes the majority of AI usage within the enterprise. This growth is attributed to the growth of SaaS AI applications, on-premises AI deployments, and custom AI tools. These developments have led to an increasing demand for adaptive security solutions that enable businesses to use AI tools safely and effectively.
The new AI capabilities are said to allow secure user access to AI-driven applications and reduce the risks associated with adopting and creating AI software.
According to the company, the platform provides insight into sensitive data processed by LLMS, assesses risk using AI models, and assists in implementing context-based decisions regarding application selection and policy configuration. The Netskope One platform utilizes Zero Trust principles powered by a suite known as Skopeai, a unique set of AI technologies, to support secure connectivity for remote workers, data security and threat mitigation.
Enhanced Zero Trust Network Access
The major additions to Netskope One Copilot for private access are designed to tackle traditional ZTNA-related challenges, including complex policy design, excessive and broad access rules, and policy risks. By adopting AI, it automates granular policy recommendations for both newly discovered and existing applications. This extends Netskope's Uztna solution to go beyond just access brokers, with the aim of providing continuous policy enforcement, threat protection, integrated data protection measures, system performance monitoring, and broader access control.
Industry analysts have repeatedly highlighted Netskope about their capabilities at ZTNA. For the fourth consecutive year, the company has been named the leader of Gartner's Magic Quadrant's Security Services Edge (SSE), breaking through the key features of SSE reporting in its private application access use case specialized for ZTNA features.
One co-pilot for private access on Netskope is available with current customers and supplements. This includes additional AI Copilots during development, such as the Copilot for Cloud Consection Index.
MCP Server Preview
Netskope has also released a preview of the Model Context Protocol Server.
The server connects LLMs such as Claude Desktop, Microsoft Copilot, Google Vertex, Amazon Bedrock directly to the Netskope One platform feature. This connection is intended to help businesses safely use the required policy context and access control.
The MCP server is built on an open protocol and acts as a bridge between LLMS and the Netskope Management API, allowing LLM to gain situational awareness from the customer's environment for better analysis and automation. Here are the use cases provided by Netskope:
- Client version analysis of device management teams to identify and deal with non-compliant clients
- Provide incident analysis tools, summary reports and investigation recommendations to support security teams during data loss prevention incidents
- Incident Status Analysis to help Incident Managers identify delays or bottlenecks in the resolution workflow
- Insider risk analysis to prioritize users who are deemed at high risk for rapid intervention
“Netskope's differentiated AI security features not only allow secure user access to AI applications, but also manage emerging risks introduced by adopting and building AI applications, provide a deeper understanding of the sensitive data being fed to LLMS, use AI models to assess risks and make context-based decisions about application selection, using the AI model. Netskope's proprietary AI innovation and patented technology optimize access, protect data, stop threats, and enable secure connectivity.”
The MCP server preview comes with several sample prompts tailored to accommodate real-time AI security scenarios, expanding the platform's support for enterprise AI integration and protection.
Netskope says these additions aim to provide viable alternatives to existing VPN and NAC solutions and address both current and evolving security challenges in environments where AI adoption is increasing in the workplace.
