Table Of Content
- 1. Understanding DNS Filtering Solutions
- 2. Why Businesses Look for DNSFilter Alternatives
- 3. Evaluation Criteria for Choosing the Right Alternative
- 4. Top DNSFilter Alternatives: Ranked and Reviewed
- 5. Comparative Analysis of DNSFilter Alternatives
- 6. Making the Right Choice for Your Business
- 7. Future Trends in DNS Filtering and Threat Protection
- Conclusion
Top DNSFilter Alternatives to Protect Your Business from Internet Threats
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October 1, 2025
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Summary: Cisco AnyConnect is increasingly viewed as outdated due to its reliance on password-based authentication, complex setup, and high costs. In 2025, leading alternatives like Kitecyber Infra Shield, Zscaler Private Access, Twingate, and Perimeter 81 offer zero-trust security, passwordless access, and easier scalability across Windows, Mac, and Linux environments. Businesses are switching to these modern solutions to reduce breach risks, cut costs by up to 60%, and meet compliance standards like SOC 2 and HIPAA. This article lists down top Cisco AnyConnect Alternatives to breach-proof Windows, Mac, & Linux devices, Imagine waking up to find your company’s most sensitive data held hostage by cybercriminals.
DNS (Domain Name System) is the backbone of today’s Internet. It is like the Internet’s phonebook, for it translates human-friendly names (popularsite.com) into IP addresses.
DNS filtering works by intercepting DNS queries and deciding whether to allow, block, or redirect them.
DNS filtering works by intercepting DNS queries and deciding whether to allow, block, or redirect them.
- Example: A user types badsite.com→ DNS filter checks if it’s malicious → blocks the request instead of resolving the IP.
This is typically done via:
- DNS security providers (e.g., Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare Gateway, Quad9)
- Secure Web Gateway / SSE solutions (e.g. Kitecyber, Zscaler, Netskope)
- Enterprise DNS servers with filtering policies
Cyberattacks rose 30% in 2024. DNS filtering has evolved much beyond blocking sites. If you search for DNSFilter alternatives, you will find options that go beyond basic blocking. They integrate AI, zero trust, and real-time intel to shield your operations. Hence many businesses seek alternatives to DNSFilter.
This guide explores top DNSFilter alternatives. You will learn why this is the best time to switch.
Let’s dive in.
This guide explores top DNSFilter alternatives. You will learn why this is the best time to switch.
Let’s dive in.
1. Understanding DNS Filtering Solutions
What Is DNS Filtering?
DNS filtering blocks access to harmful websites at the domain level. When your team types a URL, the DNS resolver checks it first. If it flags malware or phishing, the request stops cold. You avoid downloads or redirects. This method works fast. It needs no extra software on devices. Businesses use it to enforce policies too. Block social media during work hours or restrict gambling sites for compliance.
How DNS Filtering Protects Against Modern Internet Threats
Threats evolve quickly. Ransomware hides in email links. Phishing mimics trusted sites. Botnets commandeer devices for attacks. DNS filtering catches these early. It uses threat intel to flag bad domains. AI spots new risks before lists update. In 2025, encrypted traffic like DoH evades old tools. Smart filters inspect beyond DNS. They prevent data leaks via tunneling. Your business stays safe from zero-day exploits.
Key Features to Expect in DNS Filtering Tools
- Global anycast network for low-latency resolution
- Real-time malware and phishing intelligence
- Custom block and allow lists
- Detailed reporting with per-user or per-device logs
- Roaming clients for off-network laptops and mobiles
- API access for SIEM or SOAR integrations
2. Why Businesses Look for DNSFilter Alternatives
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⚠️ Limited inspection capability
DNS filtering only sees domain names, not the full URL. - Example: It can block drive.google.com, but not a specific malicious file within Google Drive.
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⚠️ Bypassable without endpoint agent
If a user configures a different DNS resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) and you don’t enforce DNS routing, filtering can be bypassed. -
⚠️ Encrypted DNS challenges (DoH/DoT)
DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) encrypt queries, which can bypass traditional DNS filters unless you enforce your own resolver. -
⚠️ Over-blocking risk
If not tuned properly, DNS filters can block legitimate SaaS apps or CDN domains, breaking business workflows. -
⚠️ No inline data protection
It doesn’t stop data exfiltration through allowed SaaS (e.g., uploading sensitive data to ChatGPT or Dropbox). For that, you need DLP or CASB.
Pricing and Cost Concerns
DNSFilter just by itself does not justify the price. Customers want more features and often have to deploy other solutions to go beyond just a DNS filter.
Advanced Security Needs Beyond DNSFilter’s Scope
DNS-only inspection cannot see hard-coded IP traffic, proxies, VPN tunnels, or encrypted DNS over HTTPS. Many firms want visibility across all protocols.
3. Evaluation Criteria for Choosing the Right Alternative
1. Coverage & Threat Intelligence
- Size and freshness of the threat intelligence feed (e.g., phishing domains, C2 servers).
- Ability to block newly registered domains (common in phishing).
- Coverage of SaaS apps and cloud services.
- Support for blocking by categories (e.g., gambling, adult, crypto mining).
2. Granularity of Control
- Can you block at the domain level only, or does it allow URL-level filtering?
- Can policies be applied by user, group, device, or location?
- Ability to create exceptions for business apps that share domains (e.g., Google Drive vs. Google Docs).
3. Deployment & Enforcement
- Cloud-based resolver vs. on-prem vs. endpoint agent.
- Can it force DNS routing (prevent bypass via 8.8.8.8, DoH, DoT)?
- Integration with VPN, firewalls, or endpoint security agents.
- Multi-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile, IoT).
4. Visibility & Logging
- Centralized reporting of DNS queries.
- Ability to identify shadow SaaS and unsanctioned applications.
- Integration with SIEM/SOAR tools.
- Real-time alerting for blocked/allowed malicious requests.
5. Performance & Reliability
- Latency added per query.
- Global footprint of resolvers (edge locations).
- Failover and redundancy.
- Support for high-throughput environments.
6. Security & Privacy
- Can it inspect encrypted DNS traffic (DoH/DoT enforcement)?
- Does it provide protection against data exfiltration over DNS tunneling?
- Logging & retention policies — is your DNS data shared with vendor for analytics/AI training?
- Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
7. Integration with Broader Security Stack
- Works standalone vs. integrated into SASE/SSE/SWG/CASB/DLP.
- Can it sync with Active Directory/SSO for user identity-based policies?
- API support for automation and custom rules.
8. Cost & Licensing
- Per-user or per-device pricing.
- Free vs. enterprise tiers (e.g., Quad9 vs. Kitecyber vs. Cisco Umbrella).
- Scalability for thousands of users and devices.
4. Top DNSFilter Alternatives: Ranked and Reviewed
1. Kitecyber
Overview and Core Features
Kitecyber stands out as the top DNSFilter alternative because it delivers more comprehensive, endpoint-centric protection rather than relying mainly on DNS-level filtering. While DNSFilter does a good job blocking malicious and unwanted content by inspecting DNS queries in real-time, Kitecyber extends that visibility and control inside SaaS and web applications, enforcing policies directly on the device. This means even when users are off the corporate network—or using untrusted WiFi or remote locations—Kitecyber’s Secure Web Gateway (SWG) can reliably govern how apps and websites are used, prevent data leaks, manage unsanctioned SaaS, and block threats from phishing, malware or risky domains. Moreover, its approach avoids some of the latency and configuration complexity that cloud-gateway or DNS-only filtering solutions commonly incur. Thus, for organizations with remote work, SaaS sprawl, or high regulatory/data security needs, Kitecyber offers stronger, more granular and consistent protection.
- Network traffic-based filtering for better coverage than DNS alone.
- Full web content categories with custom blocks.
- AI threat intelligence blocks malware and phishing in real-time.
- Roaming clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile via MDM.
- Active Directory and SSO integration for seamless access.
- Full API access for custom automations.
- Advanced reporting and analytics with 90+ day log retention.
- Compliance tools integrate with GRC platforms like SOC 2 and HIPAA.
Best Suited Business Use Case
Kitecyber fits growing businesses with remote workers. It secures sensitive data leakage MSPs love multi-tenant portals. You replace multiple tools with one, cutting costs by 60%.
To see why it’s superior, check this comparison:
Kitecyber vs DNSFilter Plan Comparison: Basic, Pro, Enterprise
|
Feature |
Kitecyber |
DNSFilter Basic |
DNSFilter Pro |
DNSFilter Enterprise |
| DNS-Based Filtering | ❌ Network traffic based. Better coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Web Content Categories | ✅ Full categories | ✅ Basic categories | ✅ Full categories | ✅ Full categories |
| Threat Intelligence / Malware Blocking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roaming Client (Windows/macOS) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Block Pages | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Active Directory / SSO Integration | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| API Access | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ Full API access |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✅ | Basic reports only | Enhanced visibility | Full reporting + data export |
| Policy Scheduling | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-Tenant (MSP portal) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (full, with branding) |
| Support Level | Priority support (SLA-backed) | Community / email only | Standard email + chat | Priority support (SLA-backed) |
| Custom Threat Feeds / Whitelisting | ✅ Custom threat feeds | ❌ | Limited manual | ✅ Custom threat feeds |
| Query Log Retention | 90+ days | 3 days | 30 days | 90+ days |
| Compliance & Logging Tools | ✅ Built-in plus integrations to GRC platforms | ❌ | Basic audit trail | ✅ with Syslog + SIEM integration |
| IPv6 Support | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ (none across tiers) |
Bypass / Blindspot Comparison
|
Bypass / Blindspot |
Kitecyber Capability |
DNSFilter Capability |
Explanation |
| Encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT) | ✅ Defense-in-depth blocks apps and extensions beyond DNS layer | ❌ Can be bypassed unless blocked | Apps use encrypted DNS, bypassing system DNS. |
| VPN / Proxy Tools | ✅ Block unauthorized apps and monitors sensitive data activity | ❌ DNS filtering loses visibility | DNS queries sent through user VPNs or proxies. |
| Hardcoded IP Access | ✅ Inspects all network traffic regardless of IP | ❌ Invisible at DNS layer | Apps connect directly to IPs, skipping DNS resolution. |
| Tunneling Protocols | ✅ Detects sensitive data using OS-level context, can’t be evaded | ⚠️ Needs deep DNS analytics to detect | Data encoded in DNS queries for exfiltration. |
| Non-browser Apps (Slack, Zoom) | ✅ Full visibility across browsers, native apps, and CLI tools | ❌ Limited app visibility | Many tools beyond browsers are not visible to DNS filtering. |
| Mobile Devices / BYOD | ✅ Supports mobile devices via MDM | ❌ No protection without roaming client | Devices on unmanaged networks without DNS client installed. |
| User Tampering with DNS | ✅ Not reliant on DNS, so unaffected | ❌ May go undetected | Users change DNS settings or use other resolvers. |
| Split-tunnel VPN Scenarios | ✅ No blindspots; monitors all network connections; Kitecyber is first touch point in outgoing traffic | ❌ Local DNS may allow malicious sites | DNS resolved locally, VPN tunnels other traffic. |
| Dynamic/Fast-Flux Domains | ✅ Uses real-time behavioral detection, not just reputation | ⚠️ May bypass until reputation updates | Malware uses rapidly changing domains to evade detection. |
| IPv6 Traffic | ✅ Protocol-agnostic inspection across IPv4 and IPv6 | ⚠️ IPv6 sometimes unfiltered | Some DNS filters miss or ignore IPv6 queries. |
2. Cisco Umbrella
Overview and Core Features
Cisco Umbrella leads in cloud security. It blocks threats at the DNS layer with Talos intel. G2 scores it 4.5 stars. Pricing is custom, often $5-10 per user monthly. Suits enterprises with remote teams.
- DNS-layer enforcement stops malware pre-connection.
- Predictive security blocks emerging threats.
- Secure web gateway inspects HTTPS traffic.
- Roaming client for off-network protection.
- Integrates with 400+ tools like SIEM.
- Content filtering by 80+ categories.
- Real-time reporting and alerts.
- Zero trust access for apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Vast integrations. Reliable uptime. Pros: Strong threat intel. Cons: Complex setup. Higher costs for add-ons.
Best-Suited Business Use Cases
Large firms with Cisco infra. Remote-heavy ops needing seamless protection.
3. Cloudflare Gateway
Secure DNS and Threat Intelligence at Scale
Cloudflare Gateway delivers zero trust DNS filtering. It scales for global teams. G2 rates 4.6 stars. Free for 50 users; paid from $5 monthly.
- DNS filtering with HTTP inspection.
- Zero trust policies by identity.
- Threat blocking via global network.
- Secure web gateway for SaaS.
- Analytics dashboard for insights.
- Supports DoH/DoT encryption.
- Integrates with MDM tools.
- High-speed anycast routing.
Benefits for Enterprises and SMEs
Enterprises gain scale. SMEs get free entry up to a small number of users. You block threats without lag.
Notable Limitations
Limited custom policies in free tier. Relies on Cloudflare ecosystem.
4. Zscaler Internet Access
How Zscaler Extends DNS Filtering into SSE
Zscaler turns DNS into full SSE. It inspects all traffic. G2 4.5 stars. Pricing $8-12 per user monthly.
- DNS security with TLS decryption.
- AI phishing and malware detection.
- Zero trust for internet and SaaS.
- Data loss prevention rules.
- Global PoPs for low latency.
- Sandbox for unknowns.
- Compliance logging.
- User-based policies.
Key Strengths
Full visibility. Scales bigger. Strong encryption handling.
Potential Drawbacks
Steep learning curve. Premium pricing.
5. Palo Alto Prisma Access
Security Capabilities and DNS Filtering Features
Prisma Access bundles DNS in SASE. AI blocks 30B threats yearly. G2 4.4 stars. Custom pricing.
- Inline DNS threat prevention.
- SWG and FWaaS integration.
- ZTNA for apps.
- CASB for SaaS control.
- 99.999% uptime.
- App acceleration.
- Advanced reporting.
- Multi-cloud support.
Integration with Zero Trust Architectures
Fits zero trust perfect. You enforce least privilege everywhere.
Use Case Scenarios
Global enterprises. Regulated industries like finance.
6. Fortinet FortiGuard DNS Security
Benefits and Differentiators
Best with Fortinet stack. Setup needs expertise.
Challenges and Considerations
Unified with firewalls. Strong enterprise tools.
- Full DNS visibility.
- Blocks NRDs and parked domains.
- Integrates with FortiGate.
- AI anomaly detection.
- Policy by user/group.
- Logging for compliance.
- Hybrid deployment.
- Threat feed updates.
FortiGuard offers DNS in security fabric. Blocks high-risk domains. G2 4.5 for Fortinet. Bundled pricing, custom.
Enterprise-Level Threat Protection
7. WebTitan by TitanHQ
Ease of Deployment and Management
Limited advanced SSE. Not for massive scales.
Where It Falls Short
Setup in minutes. Intuitive console. You can set up and manage policies quickly.
- Malware and phishing blocks.
- 80+ content categories.
- Time-of-click protection.
- Custom policies.
- Real-time monitoring.
- Reporting dashboards.
- Easy cloud deploy.
- 2FA support.
WebTitan targets SMBs with AI DNS. G2 4.7 stars. From $0.40 per user monthly.
SMB-Focused DNS Security Solution
8. OpenDNS (Legacy Cisco Product)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Small teams on budget. Not for complex needs.
Best-Fit Businesses
Strengths: Simple, cheap. Weaknesses: Lacks AI depth. Outdated vs. Umbrella.
- Basic content filtering.
- Malware domain blocks.
- Family/business modes.
- Custom block lists.
- Reporting basics.
- Easy router setup.
- Phishing protection.
- Global resolvers.
OpenDNS, now Cisco’s base, offers basic DNS. G2 4.0 stars. Free to $3 monthly.
Still Relevant or Outdated?
9. Quad9
Security Features for Individuals and Small Teams
No custom policies. Basic reporting. Scales poor for big ops.
Limitations for Enterprise Environments
Strong basics. You get privacy without fees.
- Malware/phishing blocks.
- No IP logging.
- GDPR compliant.
- Global anycast.
- Encryption support.
- Real-time intel.
- IoT protection.
- Easy config.
Quad9 blocks threats free. Privacy-focused. G2 4.2 stars. No cost.
Free, Privacy-First DNS Filtering
10. CleanBrowsing
Family and Business-Focused DNS Filtering
CleanBrowsing filters content and threats. G2 4.3 stars. $150/year for 50 devices.
- 19+ category blocks.
- Malware/botnet protection.
- SafeSearch enforcement.
- Custom domains.
- Encrypted DNS.
- Dashboard monitoring.
- Global scale.
- No-logs option.
Key Features and Benefits
Easy for mixed use. You protect WiFi hotspots.
Scalability Concerns
Caps at millions of requests. Add-ons needed for enterprise.
11. SafeDNS
Flexible Filtering Policies and Reporting
SafeDNS uses AI for cloud filtering. G2 4.5 stars. From $0.90 monthly.
- Real-time threat blocks.
- AI/ML detection.
- Custom categories.
- Analytics insights.
- Zero-day protection.
- MSP multi-tenant.
- Applocker extras.
- Compliance logs.
SMB and Enterprise Applications
Versatile. You tailor for any size.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Affordable AI. Cons: Setup tweaks for advanced.
12. Comodo Secure Internet Gateway
AI-Powered DNS Filtering
Comodo delivers DNS web filter. G2 4.1 stars. Custom pricing.
- Threat lab intel.
- 80+ categories.
- Off-network protection.
- Custom block pages.
- Real-time reports.
- Mobile apps.
- Quick deploy.
- Phishing/malware blocks.
Security Layers and Integration
Layers with endpoint. Integrates basic.
Where It Excels vs. Where It Lags
Excels: Fast setup. Lags: Limited scale, mixed reviews.
13. Akamai Enterprise Threat Protector
Leveraging Akamai’s Threat Intelligence Network
Akamai’s DNS firewall uses global intel. G2 4.4 stars. Custom enterprise pricing.
- Proactive domain blocks.
- DNS exfiltration stop.
- Shadow IT control.
- Client for all OS.
- Policy by location.
- SIEM integration.
- Real-time analysis.
- Flexible on-ramps.
Security Layers and Integration
Low latency worldwide. You secure branches easy.
Drawbacks for Some Organizations
High cost. Needs Akamai ecosystem.
5. Comparative Analysis of DNSFilter Alternatives
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Kitecyber |
Cisco Umbrella |
Cloudflare |
Zscaler |
Palo Alto |
Fortinet |
WebTitan |
OpenDNS |
Quad9 |
CleanBrowsing |
SafeDNS |
Comodo |
Akamai |
| AI Threat Detection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Content Categories | Full | 80+ | 50+ | Full | Full | 70+ | 80+ | Basic | None | 19+ | Custom | 80+ | Risk-based |
| Roaming Client | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zero Trust Integration | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Partial | ❌ | ✅ |
| Reporting Depth | Advanced | Real-time | Basic | Full | Advanced | Good | Comprehensive | Basic | None | Dashboard | Insights | Real-time | API/SIEM |
| IPv6 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ✅ |
| Pricing per User/Mo | $3+ | $5-10 | $5+ | $8-12 | Custom | Bundled | $0.40+ | Free-$3 | Free | $2.50+ | $0.90+ | Custom | Custom |
| G2 Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
Pricing Models Compared
DNSFilter: Tiered $1.15-$3/user. Kitecyber: Modular $3+ with bundles. Cisco/ Zscaler/Palo Alto: Custom enterprise, higher for scale. WebTitan/SafeDNS: Low entry $0.40-$0.90. Free like Quad9 suit tests. You save with Kitecyber’s all-in-one.
Scalability Across Different Business Sizes
SMBs: WebTitan, SafeDNS scale easy. Enterprises: Zscaler, Palo Alto handle thousands. Kitecyber fits all, from 10 to 10k users without rework.
Industry-Specific Suitability (Finance, Healthcare, Education, Retail)
Finance: Palo Alto for compliance. Healthcare: Kitecyber’s HIPAA tools. Education: CleanBrowsing for content. Retail: Cloudflare for WiFi. Kitecyber works across, with custom feeds.
6. Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Aligning Security Needs with Business Goals
Match threats to tools. Remote-heavy? Pick a modern solution like Kitecyber. Budget tight? Start with WebTitan. Zero trust goal? Go Zscaler. You align protection to growth.
Questions to Ask Vendors Before Choosing
How fast does it block zero-days? What integrations exist? Can it handle IPv6? What’s log retention? Does it support MDM? Kitecyber answers yes to all.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching
Skip free trials. Test in staging. Train your team. Overlook blindspots. Migrate data slow. You avoid downtime with phased rollout.
7. Future Trends in DNS Filtering and Threat Protection
AI and Machine Learning in DNS Security
AI spots anomalies 10x faster. In 2025, ML predicts attacks. Kitecyber leads with behavioral UEBA. You stay ahead of AI-powered threats.
DNS Filtering as Part of Zero Trust and SSE
Zero trust verifies every request. SSE bundles DNS with SWG. Zscaler and Prisma push this. DNS alone won’t cut it. Integrate for full coverage.
Privacy-Centric DNS Services on the Rise
GDPR drives no-log tools. Quad9 sets the bar. Encrypted DoH grows. You balance security and privacy.
Conclusion
Recap of Why Businesses Seek DNSFilter Alternatives
Limited features and reporting. High cost for the value provided. Blindspots persist. Integration lags. You need more than DNS blocks. Alternatives like Kitecyber fill gaps.
Action Steps: How to Move Forward with the Right Choice
Audit your threats. Trial Kitecyber free. Compare quotes. Deploy in weeks. You secure your business now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kitecyber Infra Shield, Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare Gateway, Zscaler, and WebTitan lead. They offer deeper protection.
DNSFilter focuses on DNS. Alternatives like Kitecyber add network inspection, data metrics and zero trust.
WebTitan or Kitecyber. Affordable and easy.
Yes, Quad9 and OpenDNS basics. But add paid for enterprise.
DNS is faster, pre-connection. Firewalls inspect deeper but slow traffic. Use them together.
No. Pair with SSE for full cover. It blocks early but misses encrypted traffic.
It verifies domains first. Enforces least privilege at the edge.
Choose tools with logs and frameworks. Kitecyber integrates with GRC solutions for compliance automation.
Ajay Gulati
Ajay Gulati is a passionate entrepreneur focused on bringing innovative products to market that solve real-world problems with high impact. He is highly skilled in building and leading effective software development teams, driving success through strong leadership and technical expertise. With deep knowledge across multiple domains, including virtualization, networking, storage, cloud environments, and on-premises systems, he excels in product development and troubleshooting. His experience spans global development environments, working across multiple geographies. As the co-founder of Kitecyber, he is dedicated to advancing AI-driven security solutions.
