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Autonomous router defense at line rate: Reduce vulnerability exposure before the next patch window
Autonomous line-rate defense for mission-critical routing networks
Modern service provider and enterprise networks have reached a critical inflection point. With autonomous AI tooling compressing the window between public vulnerability disclosure and weaponized zero-day attacks to under 38 hours, traditional mitigation models—relying on emergency maintenance windows, traffic rerouting, and multi-month operating system patching cycles—can no longer keep pace.
Cisco IOS-XR natively integrates Live Protect, embedding autonomous runtime exploit mitigation directly into the carrier-grade routing engine. By applying Cisco validated shields directly in memory, Live Protect acts as a high-assurance compensating control that neutralizes exploit attempts—such as memory corruption, buffer overflows, and control-flow hijacking—without waiting for full OS upgrades and without requiring disruptive reboots.
Live Protect operates seamlessly across Cisco® 8000 routers to drastically reduce exposure days. Rather than simply avoiding software patches, it enables SecOps and NetOps teams to complete permanent software fixes through orderly, scheduled release workflows.
● Instant runtime resilience: Neutralizes zero-day exploits in seconds, closing the 38-hour vulnerability exposure window without waiting for OS upgrade cycles.
● Zero-impact speed: Natively embedded in the IOS-XR kernel— delivering multiterabit defense with zero added latency, zero jitter, and no external middleboxes.
● 100% in-service continuity: Applies validated vulnerability shields with zero service disruption, zero route flapping, and no router reboots required.
● Streamlined SecOps and lower TCO: Eliminates emergency patching overtime, avoids SLA breach penalties, and provides telemetry into Splunk®, Cisco Crosswork®, and security operations center tools.
Executive/Strategic vision quote
“Zero-day vulnerabilities now outpace traditional patching workflows. Live Protect on IOS-XR eliminates that exposure window by automatically shielding vulnerabilities directly inside the router’s operating system—delivering instantaneous resilience with zero network downtime.”
— Strategic Vision, Cisco Service Provider Security and Routing
Operational lifecycle: From advisory to patch
● Stage 1 – Advisory: Cisco Talos® and PSIRT teams publish critical vulnerability guidance and the permanent fixed-software path.
● Stage 2 – Validated policy: Cisco delivers signed, release-specific shield policies ready for immediate runtime deployment.
● Stage 3 – Monitor or enforce: Teams safely evaluate operational telemetry in Monitor mode before activating active enforcement.
● Stage 4 – Patch and retire: Permanent software upgrades are deployed during scheduled maintenance windows, cleanly retiring the temporary shield.
Supported platforms and Licensing model
● Supported platforms: Cisco 8000 Series (Silicon One®)
● Licensing model: Embedded natively under Cisco IOS-XR Software Innovation Access (SIA) Essentials subscription and Cisco Enterprise Agreement 3.0.
● No standalone product IDs: No separate hardware appliances, sidecar licenses, or add-on feature PIDs required.
● Management integration: Cisco Crosswork Network Automation and standard IOS-XR telemetry pipelines.
Transition your routing infrastructure from reactive emergency patching to autonomous defense. To schedule a live dCloud demonstration, contact your Cisco account representative or visit cisco.com/go/iosxr