Industry Overview - The cybersecurity market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.28% from 2026 to 2031, driven by an increase in cyberattacks and the need for enhanced security measures [2]. Company Analysis: Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) - Zscaler offers a comprehensive suite of enterprise security tools, including web security, antivirus, firewalls, and vulnerability management, with a focus on automating risk detection and response [3]. - The company reported a 26% year-over-year revenue increase to $788 million in Q1 of fiscal 2026, with non-GAAP earnings rising approximately 24% to 96 cents per share [5]. - Zscaler is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its offerings, with AI security revenue reaching $400 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) at the end of Q1, expected to exceed $500 million in fiscal 2026 [6]. - Despite impressive growth, Zscaler's gross margin decreased to 79.9% from 80.6% year-over-year due to newer products prioritizing speed over profitability [7]. Company Analysis: Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) - Qualys is a leading provider of Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response (VMDR) solutions, experiencing increased customer penetration and product enhancements [8]. - The company reported a 10% year-over-year revenue growth to $175.3 million in Q4 of 2025, with earnings per share increasing by 16.9% to $1.87 [10]. - Qualys is expanding globally, achieving a 15% year-over-year growth in international revenue, which supports customer acquisition without significant acquisition costs [11]. - The total addressable market for Qualys is expected to reach $75 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of approximately 12.3%, targeting high-growth areas like cloud security and security analytics [12]. Comparative Analysis - Over the past three months, Zscaler's shares declined by 38.5%, while Qualys' shares fell by 24.3% [14]. - Zscaler trades at a forward sales multiple of 7.51, significantly higher than Qualys' 5.14, indicating a premium for Zscaler despite its tightening gross margins [14]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests that Qualys will see a 7.8% year-over-year revenue increase to $721.5 million in 2026, with earnings per share projected to rise by 3.5% to $7.32 [13]. Conclusion - While both companies are strong players in the cybersecurity sector, Qualys appears more attractive due to steadier growth and a lower valuation compared to Zscaler, which faces gross margin pressures and a higher valuation [18].

Core Insights - The 2026 Cloud and AI Security Risk Report by Tenable reveals a significant AI exposure gap, with organizations inheriting cyber risks faster than they can manage them [1][2] Group 1: Key Findings - 86% of organizations have installed third-party code packages with critical-severity vulnerabilities, making the software supply chain a major source of cloud exposure [7] - 65% of organizations possess "ghost" secrets, which are unused or unrotated cloud credentials, with 17% of these linked to critical administrative privileges [7] - 70% of organizations have integrated at least one AI or Model Context Protocol (MCP) third-party package, often without central security oversight [7] Group 2: Security Risks - Non-human identities, such as AI agents and service accounts, represent a higher risk (52%) compared to human users (37%), leading to dangerous combinations of permissions [7] - Organizations face severe risks in four key areas: AI security posture, supply chain attack vectors, least privilege implementation, and cloud workload exposure [2][4] - The lack of visibility and governance in AI systems embedded in infrastructure poses critical risks that need to be addressed [4] Group 3: Recommendations - Organizations should secure the AI integration process through comprehensive visibility and identity-centric controls, including enforcing least privilege for AI roles [4] - Steps to reduce extended supply chain exposure include unifying visibility across code packages, virtual machines, identity access, and cloud environments [4] - The report provides actionable guidance for security and business leaders to mitigate risks in cloud and AI environments [2]

Key Takeaways PANW to acquire Koi to address security gaps from AI agents, plugins and scripts on endpoints.Palo Alto Networks will integrate Koi into Prisma AIRS and Cortex XDR to boost AI activity visibility.PANW sees the deal supporting long-term growth as enterprise AI adoption expands.Palo Alto Networks (PANW) recently announced its intent to acquire Koi, a company focused on Agentic Endpoint Security. Nowadays, new security risks are created by AI agents, tools, plugins and scripts that operate direct ...

Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2026) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0) ("QeM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares have been approved for listing and trading on the NYSE American LLC ("NYSE American"). The Company expects that its common shares will commence trading at market open on the NYSE American on or about February 24, 2026, under the symbol "QNC". The uplisting to the NYSE American marks a significant advancement in the Compa ...

Investor Presentation February 2026 General This presentation and the accompanying oral presentation do not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities and has been prepared solely for informational purposes. The information contained in this presentation (the "Presentation") has been prepared to assist financial analysts in making their own evaluation of N-able, Inc. in connection with publishing independent research reports and for no other purpose. This Presentation is subjec ...

Core Insights - Markel has announced a collaboration with Upfort to enhance cyber protection for eligible U.S. cyber policyholders, providing tools to mitigate cyberattack risks [1][3] Group 1: Collaboration Details - The Upfort Shield platform offers AI-powered, automated protection against common cyber threats, available to Markel's eligible cyber policyholders [2] - The collaboration aims to strengthen Markel's comprehensive approach to cyber insurance, ensuring support for clients before, during, and after cyber incidents [3] Group 2: Strategic Goals - This partnership aligns with Markel's long-term strategy to deliver innovative insurance solutions tailored for middle-market businesses, enhancing risk prevention capabilities [3] - By utilizing Upfort's platform, Markel aims to reduce claim frequency and gain actionable intelligence for data-driven underwriting [4] Group 3: Upfort's Capabilities - Upfort provides a multi-layer cyber defense solution, including advanced email protection, continuous monitoring, and employee training to bolster business resilience [3][6] - The platform is designed to close the protection gap through AI-powered defense and intelligent automation, leveraging proprietary threat intelligence [6]

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2026) - QSE – Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. (CSE: QSE) (OTCQB: QSEGF) (FSE: VN80) today announced the formalization of its Enterprise Post-Quantum Migration Methodology, delivered through its Quantum Preparedness Assessment (QPA) platform.With global standards bodies such as NIST advancing post-quantum cryptographic guidance and governments publishing migration roadmaps, organizations are increasingly evaluating long-term cryptographic risk expo ...

Economic Data - U.S. durable goods orders fell -1.4% m/m in December, better than the expected -1.8% m/m, while core durable goods orders rose +0.9% m/m, exceeding expectations of +0.3% m/m [1] - U.S. December housing starts increased +6.2% m/m to 1.404 million, surpassing expectations of 1.310 million, and building permits rose +4.3% m/m to 1.448 million, above the expected 1.400 million [1] - U.S. industrial production rose +0.7% m/m in January, stronger than the anticipated +0.4% m/m [1] Stock Market Movements - Wall Street's three main equity benchmarks closed higher, with Global Payments (GPN) surging over +16% after issuing above-consensus FY26 adjusted EPS guidance [2] - Micron Technology (MU) rose more than +5% and Applied Materials (AMAT) gained over +2% [2] - Palantir Technologies (PLTR) increased more than +1% following an upgrade from Mizuho [2] - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) fell over -6% after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS guidance [2] Investor Sentiment - Investors are awaiting new U.S. economic data, remarks from Federal Reserve officials, and Walmart's earnings report [3] - Renewed caution about the outlook for AI has negatively impacted sentiment, with most members of the Magnificent Seven stocks edging lower in pre-market trading [3] Geopolitical Concerns - Investors are concerned about the potential for U.S. military intervention in Iran, despite progress in nuclear talks [4] - The U.S. has reportedly assembled its largest air power presence in the Middle East since 2003, raising tensions [4] - WTI crude prices rose above $66 a barrel amid these geopolitical tensions [4] Federal Reserve Insights - U.S. rate futures indicate a 94.1% chance of no rate change and a 5.9% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the March FOMC meeting [6] - The FOMC minutes revealed that several policymakers suggested potential rate increases if inflation remains above target [5] - A majority of participants noted that downside risks to employment have moderated, while persistent inflation risks remain [5] Upcoming Economic Reports - U.S. Initial Jobless Claims data is expected to show a figure of 223K, down from 227K last week [6] - The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index is anticipated to drop to 7.5 in February from 12.6 last month [7] - Trade Balance data is expected to show a narrowing deficit to -$55.5 billion in December from -$56.8 billion in November [7] - Pending home sales data is expected to rise +1.4% m/m in January after a -9.3% m/m drop in December [8] Corporate Earnings - Notable companies reporting quarterly figures include Walmart, Deere & Company, and Newmont [10] - Figma surged more than +11% in pre-market trading after posting strong Q4 results and guidance [16] - DoorDash climbed over +10% after reporting better-than-expected Q4 marketplace gross order value [16]

When you don't know what to pay for a stock you tend to sell it. Right now, we have people selling technology shares left and right because they are unsure of what they own and what it might be worth. They are looking at the incredible shrinking price-to-earnings ratio — the "multiple" — and they are saying get me out of here. I see it. And not just in tech. What do we pay for Danaher when it buys a company , Masimo, that we have long since disliked, ever since its litigation with Apple over patent infringe ...

This story was originally published on Cybersecurity Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Cybersecurity Dive newsletter. As investors worry that existing software and services could be rendered obsolete, Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora said the rapid acceleration of AI should not be considered a threat to cybersecurity.  Arora addressed the concerns on Tuesday during the company’s fiscal second-quarter conference call, where the surge in AI dominated much of the discus ...