Shares of cybersecurity companies Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and CrowdStrike (CRWD) are rising today, extending gains from the previous session. The move follows news that Anthropic is rolling out “Mythos Preview,” an early version of its new AI model, to a select group of tech companies to help strengthen defenses against cyberattacks. At market open on Wednesday, both stocks are up over 3%.
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Trade AMZN with leverageAnthropic called the partnership “Project Glasswing,” which brings together a group of major tech and enterprise players to strengthen cybersecurity using AI. The initiative also includes Amazon’s (AMZN) AWS, Apple (AAPL), Broadcom (AVGO), Cisco Systems (CSCO), Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google, JPMorgan Chase (JPM), the Linux Foundation, Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA).
A Relief for PANW and CRWD?
After the announcement, both CRWD and PANW moved higher, as investors bet the update could drive stronger demand for advanced cybersecurity tools. CRWD stock gained 6.2%, while PANW rose nearly 5% on Tuesday.
That said, the rally comes after a weak start to the year. The two stocks are still down about 7.8% and 9.7%, respectively, in 2026. There’s growing concern that rapid improvements in AI models from companies like Anthropic and OpenAI could start replacing parts of traditional software — including certain cybersecurity functions. Last month, cybersecurity stocks came under pressure after Anthropic launched a new AI model with advanced cyber capabilities.
What Anthropic’s New Project Means for PANW and CRWD
Anthropic said it will commit up to $100 million in usage credits and another $4 million to support open-source security projects. The launch comes as concerns grow around AI-powered cyberattacks. Anthropic says “Project Glasswing” is meant to get ahead of that risk by using AI mainly for defense, not offense.
Anthropic’s new project presents a double-edged scenario for Palo Alto and CrowdStrike. On one hand, the project focuses on using AI for defense, which could push companies to spend more on advanced cybersecurity tools. That’s a positive for PANW and CRWD, given their strong positions in AI-powered security.
On the other hand, increasingly powerful AI models could eventually replace parts of traditional software. If AI becomes capable of detecting and fixing threats on its own, it may reduce the need for certain cybersecurity solutions over time.
PANW or CRWD: Which Is the Better Cybersecurity Stock, According to Analysts?
Using TipRanks’ Comparison Tool, we compared PANW and CRWD to see which stock analysts favor. Both stocks carry a Strong Buy rating. Palo Alto’s average price target of $213.13 implies an upside of about 25%, while CrowdStrike’s target of $483.80 suggests 14% potential gains. Below is a screenshot for reference.
