Aeris & Palo Alto link SASE to secure global IoT fleets

Aeris has integrated its IoT Watchtower platform with Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE 5G, positioning the partnership as a way for enterprises to apply SASE security controls to wireless IoT deployments.

The tie-up combines Aeris' cellular connectivity management with Palo Alto Networks' secure access service edge offering for 5G. It targets organisations running large fleets of connected devices that want security policy and network visibility to span both IT systems and wireless endpoints.

IoT Watchtower provides a control layer for device connectivity and oversight, while Prisma SASE 5G delivers cloud-based security and policy enforcement across users, sites and mobile connections. Together, the platforms aim to address what the companies describe as a gap created when IoT devices sit outside standard enterprise security tools.

The integration includes Layer 7 security capabilities such as deep packet inspection and data loss prevention across a global footprint, with the goal of applying consistent policy and monitoring to cellular device traffic.

Single control point

Consolidation is a core theme. Enterprises often manage cellular connectivity and security in separate systems, which can fragment oversight. Aeris and Palo Alto Networks are pitching the integration as a single control point for visibility and policy across wireless IoT environments.

The approach centres on zero-trust, which assumes no device or connection should be trusted by default, even inside a corporate network. In practice, that means access controls, identity checks and continuous monitoring across a device lifecycle that includes provisioning, roaming, updates and decommissioning.

Global coverage is another element. Aeris works with nearly 30 tier-one mobile network operator partners, a footprint aimed at firms deploying devices across multiple countries and seeking consistent connectivity management across carrier relationships.

Interoperability is also part of the pitch. The companies say they have validated how the platforms work together, which could reduce engineering effort and procurement friction when connecting security tools to cellular management systems.

Enterprise use cases

The partnership comes as IoT adoption expands across sectors including automotive, utilities, fleet management, medical devices and manufacturing. While these deployments can deliver operational benefits, they can also increase cyber risk-particularly when devices are hard to patch, remain in the field for long periods, or connect over mobile networks outside a traditional corporate perimeter.

Wireless IoT can create blind spots when device traffic is not visible in the same consoles used for corporate networks and cloud services. Aeris and Palo Alto Networks position the combined set-up as a way to bring those endpoints into a broader security posture.

The companies also point to 5G as a driver of new application patterns, including higher bandwidth use and lower latency connections. That can increase the volume and sensitivity of data moving across cellular links, raising the importance of consistent inspection and policy controls.

Jon Connet, Chief Product Officer, Aeris, commented, "Aeris' new integration with Palo Alto Networks marks a pivotal shift for global enterprises, moving away from the inefficiencies of managing security and wireless connectivity in isolation."

He said the partnership enables consistent security across IT systems and wireless devices, while highlighting Aeris' operator ecosystem and Palo Alto Networks' market position.

"This partnership enables organizations to apply best-in-class security uniformly across both IT systems and wireless connected devices, while empowering Aeris' ecosystem of nearly 30 strategic mobile network operator partners to leverage the global trust and proven track record of one of the world's largest cybersecurity providers," Connet said.

Anupam Upadhyaya, SVP of Product Management, SASE, Palo Alto Networks, said, "As the global threat landscape evolves, the wireless edge can no longer remain a siloed environment outside of the enterprise security fabric."

He said the integration is intended to close gaps in visibility and security for wireless devices.

"By integrating Prisma SASE with Aeris, we aim to deliver a unified security architecture that eliminates visibility and security gaps for wireless devices. This enables protection to fuel innovation, allowing our mutual customers to embrace the benefits of AI and 5G with absolute confidence," Upadhyaya said.

Aeris works with 7,000 enterprise customers and supports 100 million IoT devices worldwide, and describes itself as the largest orchestrator of eSIMs for IoT. Palo Alto Networks runs a technology partner programme that brings integrations into its security portfolio, including offerings under its SASE brand.