CSCO’s Security Growth Accelerates: Can It Outpace DDOG & CRWD?

Cisco Systems CSCO is benefiting from growing enterprise adoption of integrated security and observability solutions as artificial intelligence (AI), distributed applications and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks expand IT complexity. CSCO is combining networking with security through Secure Access, XDR, Hypershield and AI Defense, while Splunk and ThousandEyes strengthen its observability and network-assurance capabilities. The integrated approach enhances CSCO’s ability to address customers seeking unified visibility and protection across networks, applications, users, and AI agents, while reinforcing its competitive positioning against Datadog DDOG and CrowdStrike CRWD.

Customer adoption is gaining momentum. CSCO’s entire security portfolio, including Splunk, recorded double-digit order growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. More than 1,500 customers purchased newer offerings such as Secure Access, XDR, Hypershield and AI Defense during the quarter, taking total…