7 Cybersecurity Stocks Built for the Long Haul

Cybersecurity Is Booming. These 7 Stocks Are Riding the Wave.

Cybercrime is no longer a side story. It’s everywhere, from hospitals locked out of their systems to deepfake scams and billion-dollar ransomware attacks. As more of life moves online, the need to secure it grows.

This isn’t just a temporary trend. The global cybersecurity market was worth nearly $194 billion in 2024. By 2032, it’s expected to hit over $560 billion. That kind of growth attracts competition and capital. But not all cybersecurity companies are built the same.

Below are seven stocks that aren’t just growing fast but are also set up to lead in a world where security has become non-negotiable.

1. CrowdStrike $CRWD ( ▼ 0.89% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 8.5/10

CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform is built around a simple idea: stop threats before they do damage. It’s cloud-based, powered by AI, and has become a go-to for big companies seeking real-time protection.

It’s not all smooth sailing. A 2024 update bug caused real problems for customers. But even after that, CrowdStrike kept 97% of its clients. That says a lot.

• Market cap: $85B+

• Expected 2025 revenue: ~$1B per quarter

• Key risks: Expensive stock, room for errors is thin

2. Palo Alto Networks $PANW ( ▼ 1.2% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 8/10

This is a company that’s been aroundbut it hasn’t stayed still. Palo Alto has expanded from selling firewalls to offering cloud security, AI threat detection, and a full platform of cybersecurity tools.

Its platform model makes it sticky. Once a company is using multiple Palo Alto tools, they’re not leaving anytime soon.

• Expected 2025 revenue growth: ~13.7%

• Earnings growth forecast: ~10.4%

• Key risks: Strong competition and a premium price tag

3. Zscaler $ZS ( ▼ 2.65% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 8/10

Zscaler was built for the cloud era. Its security model doesn’t rely on physical networks. Instead, it filters and inspects data in real time, no matter where it’s going.

It’s a solid match for the hybrid and remote work world. Big names are already on board. The only downside? It’s pricey and still working its way toward consistent profitability.

• Customer retention: 90%+

• Forward price-to-sales: ~12

• Key risks: Still not profitable, high expectations baked in

4. Fortinet $FTNT ( ▲ 0.46% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 7.5/10

Fortinet’s strength is in network security, especially for mid-sized companies. It offers reliable protection at a lower cost than some of its bigger-name competitors. And it’s profitable, very profitable.

But it’s taken a slower approach to cloud adoption, which might cap its growth a bit over time.

• Operating margin: ~25%

• Return on equity: 311%

• Key risks: Behind the curve in cloud-first tools

5. CyberArk $CYBR ( ▼ 1.24% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 7.5/10

CyberArk focuses on something many overlook: managing who has access to what. In cybersecurity, this is a big deal. Most hacks start with someone gaining unauthorised access to a system.

CyberArk protects privileged accounts, think admins, finance, and IT teams. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.

• 2025 revenue growth estimate: ~32%

• Q3 2024 revenue growth: 25.6%

• Key risks: Narrow product focus

6. SentinelOne $S ( ▼ 0.55% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 7/10

SentinelOne competes directly with CrowdStrike, but at a lower price. Its platform, Singularity, uses AI to detect and respond to threats fast.

It’s winning customers, growing quickly, and pushing toward profitability. But it’s still the underdog here, and scaling is never easy.

• Last quarter revenue growth: 29%

• Forward price-to-sales: ~5.7

• Key risks: Smaller scale, still building out the business

7. Qualys $QLYS ( ▼ 0.87% )  

Long-Term Outlook: 6.5/10

Qualys flies under the radar. It’s not in the news much, but it does its job well. It helps companies find and fix vulnerabilities in their systems before others do.

It recently launched TotalAI, a product that addresses some of the risks posed by AI tools. Steady growth, low drama. If you’re after consistency, Qualys fits.

• 2025 EPS forecast: $6.17

• Q3 2023 revenue growth: 13%

• Key risks: Slower innovation, smaller scale

Quick Summary: How They Stack Up

Want Broader Exposure?

You don’t have to pick a winner. If you want to spread your bets, look at cybersecurity ETFs like:

• Global X Cybersecurity ETF $BUG ( ▼ 1.41% )  

• WisdomTree Cybersecurity Fund $WCBR ( ▼ 1.22% )  

They give you access to many of the companies above in one package.

Final Take

Cybersecurity is no longer optional. And the companies helping others stay secure are turning that reality into serious business.

If you're looking for growth, CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Palo Alto are leading the charge. Fortinet and CyberArk offer a bit more stability. SentinelOne brings the underdog upside, and Qualys is the slow-but-steady option.

These aren’t just tech stocks; they’re infrastructure for the digital age.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All data is current as of January 2025. Do your own research before investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research or speak to a qualified professional before investing.