Check Point updates Quantum firewall to secure AI use

by Sean Mitchell, Security Brief

Check Point Software has released a new version of its Quantum firewall software that targets security risks arising from the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in enterprises.

The R82.10 release introduces 20 new features across network, identity and AI security. It focuses on hybrid environments that span data centres, branch offices and multiple public clouds.

Check Point said the update responds to growing pressure on security teams as businesses roll out AI tools and large language model projects across their operations.

"As organisations embrace AI, security teams are under growing pressure to protect more data, more applications and more distributed environments," said Nataly Kremer, Chief Product Officer, Check Point Software Technologies. "R82.10 helps enterprises shift to a prevention-first model by unifying management, strengthening Zero Trust and adding protections that support safe, responsible AI adoption and development."

Many enterprises now connect AI services to existing systems and data stores. This raises concerns over data leakage, model abuse and new types of automated attacks.

Check Point said the new software focuses on four operational areas. These areas are AI adoption, hybrid mesh network security, threat prevention and platform unification.

AI oversight

The company has added functions that track and control the use of generative AI tools. The software can detect unauthorised AI services in network traffic. It adds specific visibility for tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

The release also includes monitoring for use of the model context protocol. This protocol supports AI workflows that combine different tools and data sources. The monitoring feature aims to reduce the risk of unmanaged AI agents accessing sensitive systems.

Check Point said these controls give security teams more detail on which AI services employees use and how data flows through those services.

AI stack link

R82.10 forms part of Check Point's broader AI security portfolio. The firewall software integrates with the company's Infinity Platform and its open integration framework.

Check Point said the platform approach lets organisations apply the same policies across on-premise networks, cloud workloads and remote users.

The new firewall release also connects with AI security technology from Lakera. Check Point acquired Lakera earlier this year. Lakera's tools focus on securing AI models during training and inference.

Check Point said this combination offers protection for AI workloads from data ingestion through to model output inspection.

Channel partners see demand for such integrated approaches. "Check Point continues to deliver AI Security innovations at the exact moment customers need them," said Chris Konrad, Vice President, Global Cyber, World Wide Technology. "Their AI-driven security capabilities help organisations safeguard their businesses from the latest cyber threats, while providing enterprise-grade protection for sensitive AI workloads from model training to inference without compromising performance."

Check Point plans further development of its AI security features across the Quantum and Infinity product lines as customers expand AI projects across hybrid networks.