HPE unveils AI-driven security & data protection updates

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has introduced a series of artificial intelligence-driven security and data protection updates, unveiling its unified secure networking portfolio for the first time since acquiring Juniper Networks.

The latest enhancements were revealed as HPE detailed a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, system resiliency and regulatory compliance designed to address evolving enterprise threats. These developments expand capabilities across HPE's data, networking and system security portfolios.

AI expansion and network security

HPE's new releases include an AI-driven SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) copilot for HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect. This feature uses artificial intelligence to deliver insights into network activity, security vulnerabilities and open ports, and identifies unpatched systems across enterprise networks. According to the company, the tool aims to enable proactive threat detection and strengthen zero trust enforcement for both HPE Juniper Networking and third-party devices.

HPE Aruba Networking Central NAC has also been expanded to offer global, identity-based, granular controls for users and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, now encompassing Juniper and third-party hardware. The new integration of AppEngine with Aruba Networking Central adds real-time application classification, enabling risk-based policy enforcement, greater visibility, and central management. Further enhancements include proactive threat defence via WebCC and URL filtering for Unified SASE, providing real-time intelligence to block malicious domains, risky content and bad IP addresses.

Data protection capabilities

The company introduced the HPE Alletra Storage MP X10000, a modern data protection solution designed specifically for artificial intelligence workloads and described as delivering the world's fastest enterprise backup speeds. The X10000, a scale-out, all-flash object storage system, is optimised for ultra-fast backup and recovery. HPE reports backup speeds of up to 1.2 petabytes per hour, nearly twice that of its closest competitor according to internal benchmarks. The storage platform uses StoreOnce Catalyst Software for data efficiency, enabling up to 60:1 data reduction; it integrates with data protection platforms such as Commvault Cloud, Cohesity NetBackup, and, shortly, Veeam Data Platform.

The architecture is designed to scale, allowing customers to increase capacity or performance independently as data volumes grow. This is aimed at sectors where data recovery times are paramount, such as healthcare, finance and media, where compliance demands restoration in minutes, not days.

Cyber resilience partner integration

HPE Zerto software now features a new integration hub that enables third-party cybersecurity solutions to connect with Zerto's data recovery capabilities. HPE has named CrowdStrike as the exclusive launch partner for this integration. The combination means that security teams can detect malicious activity via the CrowdStrike Falcon platform and then use Zerto to restore applications and virtual machines to clean recovery points seconds before an attack occurred, supporting rapid business continuity and recovery.

"The cybersecurity landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, targeted, and disruptive. Across APAC, businesses are facing the escalating threats posed by these attacks in real-time. The future of security lies in AI-driven systems that embed resilience and adaptability at their core," said Mark Ablett, Vice-President, Asia Pacific and Japan at HPE Networking. "Our new expanded solutions demonstrate HPE's commitment to supporting and empowering organizations to not only defend against today's complex threats, but to build a stronger, more proactive security posture for the challenges ahead."

The HPE Cyber Resilience Vault can accelerate recovery, combining HPE Zerto, Alletra Storage MP, ProLiant, and Aruba for an air-gapped, zero-trust environment for ransomware protection. HPE is also certifying Zerto for US federal requirements such as CISA, STIG and FIPS. In parallel, HPE's new cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will focus on validating storage systems against ransomware and emerging threats. HPE has validated the built-in threat detection of Alletra Storage MP B10000 against the top 25 ransomware strains.

"Our partnership with HPE reflects CrowdStrike's commitment to delivering integrated, outcome-driven solutions that keep customers ahead of today's adversaries," said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer, CrowdStrike. "By combining the power of the AI-native Falcon platform with HPE Zerto's recovery capabilities, we're enabling organizations to stop breaches, minimize downtime, and maintain business continuity - even in the face of ransomware and other disruptive threats."

Unified networking following Juniper acquisition

The launch marks the first public demonstration of the integrated secure networking portfolio since HPE's acquisition of Juniper Networks. HPE is highlighting developments across networking, hybrid cloud, and firewall technology, including the HPE Juniper Networking Next-Generation Firewalls. The Juniper SRX 4700, for example, is promoted as offering the industry's highest firewall throughput in a single rack unit - up to 1.4 terabits per second - and is targeted at enterprises, telecommunications businesses, and cloud service providers seeking to implement zero trust architectures and mesh firewall solutions.

Availability

The HPE Alletra Storage MP X10000 data protection solution is currently available, while the Zerto integration hub will be available in the fourth quarter of 2025.