Cisco in Advanced Talks to Buy Israeli Axonius for $2B as Asset Security Gains Strategic Importance

Cisco Systems is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire cybersecurity startup Axonius for about $2 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The potential deal would mark Cisco’s most prominent acquisition in enterprise security since its $28 billion purchase of Splunk and reflects a broader push into cyber asset management.

Axonius, founded in 2017 by Israeli military veterans, builds a platform that helps organisations inventory and secure digital assets across complex IT environments.

Its tools are designed to eliminate gaps in visibility by integrating more than 300 data sources to show devices, accounts and software that connect to corporate networks—a capability seen as increasingly critical as hybrid work and cloud adoption expand attack surfaces.

Cisco’s bid comes as competitors and adjacent players ramp up consolidation: ServiceNow completed a series of acquisitions in 2025, including the purchase of asset security specialist Armis for $7.8 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of the category.

Axonius has publicly denied that formal negotiations are underway, stating it remains focused on its growth and customer delivery. It did not confirm any talks with Cisco.

If completed, the deal would extend Cisco’s security portfolio into asset management in a more direct way, complementing recent investments in cloud security and AI-driven cybersecurity tools

Sources:
Calcalist
Dutch IT Leaders
SiliconANGLE
SDxCentral
PYMNTS

J.V.