This document discusses the need for automation and programmability in network security as networks become more complex due to trends like cloud computing, mobility, and the Internet of Things. It outlines some of the challenges facing service providers like increasing threats and changing customer expectations. It then describes how service providers are approaching network functions virtualization and automation in different ways, either led by use cases, infrastructure, or orchestration. Lastly, it discusses how Cisco is addressing security across virtualized infrastructure, applications, orchestration, communications and more through techniques like encryption, authentication, and integrating network security solutions.