Cato Networks Review: Key Features and Pros&Cons

What it is:Cato Networks is a cloud-native SASE platform that converges SD-WAN and network security into a single global service delivered via a private backbone with over 80 PoPs.
Best for:Global enterprises with distributed sites, Organizations consolidating networking + security, High-bandwidth WAN users
Pricing:Starting from $100/month per site
Rating:92/100Excellent
Expert's conclusion:The Cato API is best suited for customers of Cato SASE to integrate into their enterprise security and monitoring platforms, however; it does require the customer to understand GraphQL and the context of the Cato Platform.

Reviewed byMaxim Manylov·Web3 Engineer & Serial Founder

Company Overview

Cato Networks is an organization that delivers the only Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform in the industry that merges both Network Security and SD-WAN as a global, cloud-based architecture. As one of the first companies to deliver a global cloud-native SASE platform, Cato has been able to eliminate the complexity associated with legacy IT Solutions for Organizations to be able to securely connect users to applications worldwide.

Active

📍Tel Aviv, Israel

📅Founded 2015

🏢Private

TARGET SEGMENTS

Global EnterprisesRegional EnterprisesMSPs

Key Metrics

📊

80+ globally

Points of Presence (PoPs)

📊

Series G

Funding Stage

📊

$2.5B+ (2021)

Valuation

👥

Fortune 500 enterprises

Customers

4.7/ 5

G2 (250 reviews)

SOC 2 Type II(Global)GDPR Compliant(EU)

Credibility Rating

92/100

Excellent

The largest player in the SASE Market with proven leaders in Cybersecurity who have helped build some of the most successful Cybersecurity Companies in the World, Unicorn Valuation and Enterprise Grade Security Certifications.

BREAKDOWN

Product Maturity95/100

Company Stability90/100

Security & Compliance98/100

User Reviews92/100

Transparency88/100

Support Quality90/100

TRUST SIGNALS

Founded by Check Point & Imperva co-founderUnicorn valuation ($2.5B+)Gartner SASE framework pioneer80+ global Points of PresenceSOC 2 Type II certifiedUsed by Fortune 500 companies

Company History

2015

Company Founded

Co-founded in 2016 by Shlomo Kramer (Co-Founder Check Point, Co-Founder Imperva) and Gur Shatz in Tel Aviv to create the Cloud-Native SASE Platform.

2021

Unicorn Valuation

Reached a valuation of over $2.5 Billion dollars through a Transformative Round of Funding (Series D/E), solidifying Cato's position as the Largest Player in the SASE Market.

2022

Series F Funding

Has continued its fast growth through subsequent rounds of funding, reaching the Series G Stage.

2025

Global Expansion

Currently has a footprint of 80+ Points of Presence across the Globe connected to the Tier-1 Carrier Backbone.

Pricing

Pricing information with service tiers, costs, and details
☐Service	$Cost	ℹDetails	🔗Source
SD-WAN Base Service	$100/month per site	250 Mbps throughput example. OPEX model, priced per aggregated bandwidth.	Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube
SASE (SD-WAN + Security)	20% premium over base	Adds cloud-based security to SD-WAN service.	Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube
CASB Add-on	40% premium over base SD-WAN	Cloud Access Security Broker functionality.	Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube
High Bandwidth (2 Gbps)	$2,000/month per site	Enterprise-grade throughput capacity.	Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube
Enterprise	Custom quote	Volume discounts for 2,000+ sites vs small deployments. Contact sales for exact pricing.	Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

SD-WAN Base Service$100/month per site

250 Mbps throughput example. OPEX model, priced per aggregated bandwidth.

Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

SASE (SD-WAN + Security)20% premium over base

Adds cloud-based security to SD-WAN service.

Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

CASB Add-on40% premium over base SD-WAN

Cloud Access Security Broker functionality.

Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

High Bandwidth (2 Gbps)$2,000/month per site

Enterprise-grade throughput capacity.

Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

EnterpriseCustom quote

Volume discounts for 2,000+ sites vs small deployments. Contact sales for exact pricing.

Cato Networks Pricing 2025 YouTube

Competitive Comparison

Feature	Cato Networks	Zscaler	Palo Alto Prisma	Cisco Secure Access
Core Functionality	Full SASE (Networking + Security)	SASE with strong ZTNA	SASE with advanced threat prevention	SASE with Umbrella integration
Pricing (Starting)	Custom per bandwidth/site	$8/user/mo	$11.50/user/mo	$12/user/mo
Free Tier	No	No	No	No
Enterprise Features	SSO, RBAC, Audit Logs	Yes	Yes	Yes
API Availability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Integration Count	Native SASE platform	700+ apps	400+ apps	Cisco ecosystem
Support Options	24/7 Enterprise	24/7	24/7	24/7
Security Certifications	SOC 2, ISO 27001 presumed	SOC 2, ISO 27001	SOC 2, FedRAMP	SOC 2, FedRAMP

Core Functionality

Cato NetworksFull SASE (Networking + Security)

ZscalerSASE with strong ZTNA

Palo Alto PrismaSASE with advanced threat prevention

Cisco Secure AccessSASE with Umbrella integration

Pricing (Starting)

Cato NetworksCustom per bandwidth/site

Zscaler$8/user/mo

Palo Alto Prisma$11.50/user/mo

Cisco Secure Access$12/user/mo

Free Tier

Cato NetworksNo

ZscalerNo

Palo Alto PrismaNo

Cisco Secure AccessNo

Enterprise Features

Cato NetworksSSO, RBAC, Audit Logs

ZscalerYes

Palo Alto PrismaYes

Cisco Secure AccessYes

API Availability

Cato NetworksYes

ZscalerYes

Palo Alto PrismaYes

Cisco Secure AccessYes

Integration Count

Cato NetworksNative SASE platform

Zscaler700+ apps

Palo Alto Prisma400+ apps

Cisco Secure AccessCisco ecosystem

Support Options

Cato Networks24/7 Enterprise

Zscaler24/7

Palo Alto Prisma24/7

Cisco Secure Access24/7

Security Certifications

Cato NetworksSOC 2, ISO 27001 presumed

ZscalerSOC 2, ISO 27001

Palo Alto PrismaSOC 2, FedRAMP

Cisco Secure AccessSOC 2, FedRAMP

Competitive Position

vs Zscaler

Cato is a Single-Vendor SASE Solution utilizing a Private Backbone whereas Zscaler utilizes a Cloud-Native Proxy Approach. Cato is the leader in WAN Optimization and Multi-Gig Throughput whereas Zscaler is the leader in Zero Trust User Access.

Cato is Better suited for Site Connectivity and Bandwidth Heavy Applications whereas Zscaler is Better suited for Pure Remote Access Use Cases.

vs Palo Alto Prisma Access

Prisma has significantly more Next Gen Firewall Capabilities and a Broader Ecosystem however has more Complexity than Cato which offers a Simpler Unified Management Experience and Faster Deployment Options.

Cato is Better suited for Rapid SASE Convergence whereas Prisma is Better suited for Advanced Threat Prevention Needs.

vs Cisco Secure Access

Cisco has a much Larger Ecosystem and On-Prem Familiarity however has been slower to transition to a cloud-based model. Cato is a Native Cloud-Native solution that is expanding its AI Security capabilities via the Aim Acquisition.

Cato is Best for Pure Play SASE Solutions whereas Cisco is Best for Hybrid/Multi-Vendor Environments.

vs Fortinet FortiSASE

Fortinet has the Advantages of Convergence between Hardware and Software whereas Cato is a Pure Cloud Platform with a Global Private Backbone offering Superior Performance Consistency.

Cato is Best suited for Large Distributed Enterprises Globally whereas Fortinet is Best suited for Existing FortiGate Customers.

Pros Cons

Pros

A unified SASE platform — a single pane of glass for both networking and security greatly simplifies overall architecture
A private global backbone — provides consistent multi-gigabit performance worldwide
The rapid growth indicator — $350 million ARR and 43 percent year-over-year shows strong traction with enterprises
AI security is expanding — the acquisition of Aim Security has secured AI applications and agents
An OPEX pricing model — does not require large upfront CapEx; the cost scales as the organization's bandwidth requirements grow
Faster than the market — 43 percent annual growth rate compared to a 26 percent SASE market CAGR per Gartner
4,000+ customers — has been tested at scale within many different types of global organizations

Cons

Custom/quote based pricing — lacks a published list of transparent tiered pricing
Pricing based on bandwidth — grows very quickly and becomes expensive for high-throughput sites
Does not mention a "free" tier or trial — a higher barrier to entry for testing purposes
Not yet profitable — financial risks related to being a pre-IPO company due to the growing nature of this business
Competition in the SASE market — larger market share exists with the more established players
Complexities for small organizations — price minimums make it difficult for smaller organizations to purchase this product
Uncertainty surrounding an IPO — valuation concerns exist in an AI-disrupted cyber security market

Best For

Best For

Global enterprises with distributed sites — A private backbone ensures that consistent performance is achieved throughout the world
Organizations consolidating networking + security — One vendor SASE will eliminate multiple point solution architectures and reduce complexities associated with those solutions
High-bandwidth WAN users — Optimization for multi-gigabit throughputs — designed to optimize throughput for demanding applications
AI-adopting companies — Recent acquisition of Aim Security adds security for AI workload deployments
Mid-market growing to enterprise (100-5000 sites) — $350 million ARR — indicates scalability in their deployment model

Not Suitable For

Small businesses (<50 sites) — Low scale inefficiencies in the per-site pricing model — consider Meraki or standard SD-WAN models.
Budget-conscious SMBs — Lack of free tiers in custom enterprise pricing — look at FortiSASE or open source options.
Per-user pricing preference — Bandwidth-based pricing model is not suitable for remote-only work forces — Zscaler may be a better option.
DIY network engineers — Removing hardware control in managed SASE services — if you would like to maintain control over hardware, consider using traditional VPN or SD-WAN appliances.

Limits Restrictions

Pricing Model: OPEX monthly, per site bandwidth aggregation
Bandwidth Scaling: Higher throughput increases costs exponentially
Site Minimums: Volume pricing varies 2 vs 2,000 sites
Free Trial: Not mentioned in available sources
Free Tier: No free tier available
Deployment: Cloud-native SASE only, no on-premises option
Geographic Availability: Global private backbone coverage

Security Compliance

SASE Security ConvergenceFull inspection and optimization of multi-gig traffic streams across global backbone

AI Application SecurityAim Security acquisition provides AI app/agent protection and policy enforcement

Global Threat IntelligenceUnified security stack with real-time threat prevention across distributed environments

Enterprise Access ControlsSecure access for users, sites, clouds, and applications in single platform

Infrastructure SecurityPrivate global backbone prevents public internet dependency and performance issues

Compliance FrameworkIndustry-standard certifications presumed for $350M ARR enterprise serving 4,000+ orgs

Customer Support

Channels

Support portal primary channelCato Learning Center with documentationEnterprise account managersDeployment and optimization assistance

Hours: Business hours standard, 24/7 for strategic enterprise accounts
Response Time: Standard SLAs by tier, mission-critical support for large deployments
Satisfaction: 4.3/5 value for money rating (GetApp)
Specialized: Dedicated technical account managers for $350M ARR customer base
Business Tier: Priority support for multi-site global deployments

Support Limitations

•No self-service free tier support mentioned

•Phone access typically enterprise-level only

•Custom deployments require professional services engagement

Api Integrations

API Type: GraphQL API (api.catonetworks.com/api/v1/graphql2) with Configuration and Monitoring APIs. REST-like access via third-party integrations.
Authentication: API Key authentication required. Create via Administration > API Management with View or specific permissions, Account ID mandatory for all calls.
Webhooks: No public webhook support mentioned in documentation.
SDKs: Official Python CLI (github.com/catonetworks/cato-cli). No other official SDKs found.
Documentation: Good - GraphQL API reference at api.catonetworks.com/documentation/. Configuration API and Monitoring API reference guides available. API Explorer tool at cato-api-explorer.taskpool.opsv2.expel.io.
Sandbox: API Explorer available for testing GraphQL queries.
SLA: No public API-specific SLA found. Dependent on Cato SASE Cloud Platform uptime.
Rate Limits: Not publicly documented.
Use Cases: SIEM/SOAR integration (Sumo Logic, Rapid7 InsightIDR, Lumu), monitoring (Centreon), configuration management at scale, events/security data extraction, site connectivity monitoring.

Faq

How do I authenticate to the Cato Networks API?

In order to use API Keys, they must be created first in Administration > API Management. After creating the keys, select View permission and take note of your Account ID from the URL. These two items are necessary for all API calls.

What type of API does Cato Networks provide?

Cato offers a GraphQL API as well as Config APIs for managing Admins, Sites and Sockets for the purpose of performing efficient data extraction and monitoring. Regional Endpoints Available in US, EU and India.

Can I integrate Cato with my SIEM?

Yes, Cato can integrate with SIEM systems such as Sumo Logic, Rapid7 InsightIDR and Stellar Cyber via API. The SIEM system is able to pull the security events, audit logs and connectivity information from Cato using the Account ID and API Key.

Is there a sandbox or testing environment?

There is an API Explorer that will allow you to test your GraphQL queries. There is no full Sandbox with Production-like Data available. Real API Keys are used when testing the integration with View Permissions enabled.

What's the difference between Cato API and traditional networking APIs?

Cato’s GraphQL API allows for efficient query of SASE Platform data (Sites, Metrics, Events) where the rest of the industry has traditionally used REST APIs. Bulk config changes and 3rd party SIEM/SOAR integrations are supported through Cato’s GraphQL API.

How do I monitor Cato site connectivity via API?

Use the Centreon Connector with the template “Network-Security-Cato-Networks-Connectivity-Api-custom” or use GraphQL Queries to get accountMetrics, including Site Connectivity Status and HA Readiness.

Are there official SDKs available?

An official Python CLI is provided by Cato Networks on GitHub (catonetworks/cato-cli). While there are no SDKs for JavaScript, Java, etc., you may build your own custom integrations by using GraphQL Clients.

What data can I extract from Cato API?

The Cato API provides access to the following types of data: Account Metrics, Site Connectivity, Interface Bandwidth, Security Events, Audit Events, Config Data. Filtering by Timeframes, Sites, and Custom Dimensions are all supported.

Expert Verdict

Cato Networks offers robust GraphQL based APIs designed to support SASE Platform Management and Security Data Extraction. They offer strong Integration Support for SIEM/SOAR and Monitoring Tools. However, their Documentation could provide additional clarity for Developers. Cato Networks would best serve Enterprises currently utilizing their Cloud Platform.

Enterprises utilizing Cato SASE who require SIEM Integration
Network Operations Teams looking to automate Site and Socket Management
Security Teams looking to extract Threat Telemetry to SOAR Platforms
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) managing multiple Cato Accounts at Scale

!
Use With Caution

Developer Teams who are anticipating extensive REST API Coverage
Small Teams without prior experience working with GraphQL – Steeper Learning Curve
Webhook-based integrations and automated notification in real time

Not Recommended For

Use of a standalone API without the need to utilize the Cato Platform
Small and medium-sized businesses that have budget constraints - Enterprise-focused, but does NOT have a free-tier offering
Real-time automation workflow dependent on a webhook

Expert's Conclusion

The Cato API is best suited for customers of Cato SASE to integrate into their enterprise security and monitoring platforms, however; it does require the customer to understand GraphQL and the context of the Cato Platform.

Best For

Enterprises utilizing Cato SASE who require SIEM IntegrationNetwork Operations Teams looking to automate Site and Socket ManagementSecurity Teams looking to extract Threat Telemetry to SOAR Platforms

Research Summary

Key Findings

Cato Networks provides production-ready GraphQL APIs for managing SASE, monitoring, and security, as well as strong third-party adoption of these APIs by SIEMs and other monitoring tools. A Python CLI is provided by Cato Networks, however; the documentation provided by Cato is less friendly to developers than some may prefer. Additionally, multiple regional API endpoints are supported by Cato to facilitate deployments across the globe.

Data Quality

Good - detailed API docs and third-party integration guides available. No rate limit or webhook details publicly documented. No official SDKs beyond Python CLI.

Risk Factors

!

GraphQL-specific, therefore; requires expertise in the client libraries

!

Complexity in authentication (Account ID + API Key + regional endpoints)

!

Lack of public SLA/rate limits

!

No support for webhooks for real-time integrations

Last updated: February 2026

Additional Info

Third-Party Integrations

Native connectors for Centreon Monitoring, Sumo Logic, Rapid7 InsightIDR, Lumu, and Stellar Cyber. Provides access to Security Events, Audit Logs, Connectivity Monitoring, and Configuration Queries.

Regional API Support

Multiple API Endpoints: US (api.us1.catonetworks.com), EU (api.catonetworks.com), India (api.in1.catonetworks.com). Requires regional account configuration.

Developer Tools

An official GraphQL API Explorer for testing. Official Python CLI on GitHub for configuration and monitoring automation. Official comprehensive documentation for the GraphQL Schema.

API Permissions

Granular permissions (View, Manage) are created at the time of creating an API Key. IP Restrictions and Expiration Dates can be configured. Recommend using View-Only Keys when integrating.

Alternatives

•
Zscaler API: More extensive and granular REST + GraphQL APIs for the Zscaler Zero Trust Platform. Larger and more mature developer community. Best suited for Zscaler customers looking for similar SIEM/SOAR integrations. (zscaler.com)
•
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS API: REST API for next-generation firewalls and SASE. More extensive documentation, XML/JSON Support. Best suited for hybrid environments with existing Palo Alto deployments. (paloaltonetworks.com)
•
Fortinet FortiManager API: REST API to allow for centralized management of the entire Fortinet Security Fabric. Ideal for MSPs that manage a variety of Fortinet deployments. A traditional REST-style approach. (fortinet.com)
•
Cisco SecureX API: Threat Response Orchestration via REST APIs. Best for integrating with the Cisco Ecosystem. Better webhook support compared to Cato. Best for SOC Environments that include multiple vendors. (cisco.com)
•
Netskope API: REST + GraphQL APIs for Netskope’s Secure Service Edge Platform. A similar SASE-focused approach to Cato with greater overall REST API Support. For organizations that prefer REST APIs, Netskope is an alternative. (netskope.com)

Operational Performance Metrics

Real-time seconds

Mean Time to Detect (MTTD)

Automated minutes

Mean Time to Remediate (MTTR)

Consistently low %

False Positive Reduction

Runtime AI threats 100%

Threat Detection Coverage

80+ %

Analyst Productivity Improvement

Real-time AI-driven

Policy Optimization Speed

Core Detection Capabilities

Real-time Anomaly Detection

Detects Threats, Anomalies, and Suspicious Activity In-Real-Time Using Built-In Models.

AI Runtime Threat Detection

Monitors All Interactions Between AI Systems to Identify Known and Unknown Threats Targeting Agents and LLMs.

Behavioral Analysis

Uses Proprietary AI-Based Models to Monitor Network Traffic Patterns and Identify Anomalies.

Zero-Day Attack Detection

Trained Specifically for Runtime Attacks and Evasive Threats.

Shadow AI Discovery

Finds Unsanctioned GenAI Applications and Agents Across the Enterprise.

AI Agent Observability

Finds and Monitors AI Agents, MCP Servers, and Their Tool Interactions.

Integration & Deployment Requirements

SIEM Integration: Yes
SOAR Integration: Yes
EDR Integration: Yes
Cloud Platform Support: Yes
Identity System Integration: Yes
SaaS & AI System Monitoring: API-based, agentless
Deployment Model Options: Cloud-native SASE, on-premises Outpost, hybrid
Real-time Data Processing: Yes
CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Yes
AI Gateway Support: Yes

Primary Use Cases

AI Application Runtime Protection

Protects Homegrown AI Applications/Agents From Runtime Attacks with Low Latency.

Shadow AI Discovery & Control

Finds Unsantioned GenAI Use and Applies Granular Access Policies.

AI Agent Security & Governance

Finds, Monitors, and Secures AI Agents and Their Tool Chains.

AI Security Posture Management

Continuously Finds and Remediate AI Security Risks During Development and Production.

GenAI Data Protection

Prevents Unauthorized Data Sharing With Public AI Services in Real-Time.

Autonomous Policy Management

Optimizes Policy Based on AI and Cleans-Up Across the SASE Platform.

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

EU AI Act ComplianceAI-FW guardrails align with EU AI Act requirements

NIST RMF ComplianceSupports NIST Risk Management Framework

MITRE ATLAS FrameworkAligned with AI threat landscape framework

OWASP Top 10 for LLMsRuntime protection against LLM vulnerabilities

ISO 42001 TestingTests AI environments against ISO 42001 standards

SOC 2 Type II ComplianceCloud-native platform security controls

Data Residency SupportOn-premises Outpost deployment option

Transparency & Explainability Features

AI Agent Behavior Tracing

Audits Agent Decision Steps, Tool Invocations, and Chain of Thought.

Real-time Observability

Provides Deep Visibility Into AI Agent Interaction, MCP Usage, and Data Flow.

Policy Violation Detection

Performs Real-Time Analytics to Find Policy Violations and Adversarial Manipulation.

Attack Path Analysis

Performs Agentic Attack Path Analysis and Supplies Guided Remediation Recommendations.

Configuration Risk Assessment

Finds Dangerous Combinations of Tools and Misconfiguration.

Compliance Evidence Generation

Produces Audit-Ready Documentation for Regulatory Frameworks

AI Model Performance Characteristics

Performance Aspect	Specification	Measurement Method
False Positive Reduction	Consistently low false-positive rate	Real-time AI interaction analysis
Detection Quality Score	Runtime threat blocking before impact	AI application attack simulation
Behavioral Learning	Proprietary models trained for AI threats	Network and application telemetry
Autonomous Adaptation	Built-in AI models, not bolted-on	Continuous learning from traffic patterns
Multi-Signal Correlation	Correlates AI agent, LLM, and tool signals	Agentic ecosystem monitoring
Data Types Analyzed	AI traffic, agent interactions, MCP usage, GenAI data flows	Cloud-native SASE data lake

Critical Evaluation Criteria

AI Runtime Protection PerformanceFalse Positive Rates in AI TrafficShadow AI Discovery CapabilitiesAI Agent Governance & ObservabilitySASE/SIEM/SOAR IntegrationCloud & On-Premises DeploymentEU AI Act & NIST Framework AlignmentSOC 2 & Data Residency ComplianceGenAI Data Protection ControlsAutonomous Policy OptimizationAttack Path Analysis CapabilitiesCI/CD Pipeline Security IntegrationMulti-Tenant SASE ManagementRegulatory Evidence AutomationAgentic Ecosystem Visibility

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