4 days ago
LevelBlue & Akamai launch managed service for web app security
LevelBlue and Akamai have announced a partnership to deliver new managed web application and API protection services designed to aid organisations in consolidating, simplifying, and scaling their security operations.
Service overview
The partnership introduces LevelBlue Managed Web Application and API Protection (WAAP), a security service built to provide adaptive, continuous protection to help mitigate risks and reduce the operational demands linked with securing web applications and APIs. The service incorporates Akamai's App & API Protector technology, featuring web application firewall (WAF), distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) mitigation, bot protection, and foundational API security. This technology is integrated with expertise from LevelBlue's dedicated WAAP Operations team.
Against a backdrop of expanding application deployment and usage of APIs, organisations worldwide are facing increased challenges. Research from Enterprise Strategy Group highlights that the average number of web applications per organisation is expected to rise from 145 to more than 200 over two years. The proportion of organisations with over half of their applications using APIs is forecasted to climb from 32% to 80% over the same period.
Challenges for security teams
Security teams are contending with several critical challenges, including the need to discover application and API deployments, scale protections appropriately, swiftly identify and mitigate attacks, and ensure that security measures do not detract from performance. Added to these obstacles are staff shortages and a proficiency gap, with half of midmarket organisations reporting it is harder to secure web apps and APIs than it was two years ago. Many seek external support and more straightforward, consolidated solutions as environments grow more complex.
LevelBlue Managed WAAP aims to tackle these requirements by delivering measurable outcomes in security and simplifying operational processes.
Industry perspectives "Today, a surprising number of organisations rely on multiple tools that are not purpose-built for web application and API security - leading to complexity, silos, and rising costs," said Sundhar Annamalai, President of LevelBlue. "LevelBlue offers an alternative: proven services that consolidate and simplify protections with predictable investment. By combining LevelBlue's operational expertise with Akamai's proven technology, organisations can stay ahead of evolving threats and create cyber resilience for critical digital capabilities."
The service is available in two tiers, Essential and Advanced, giving organisations flexibility to select the level of support most suited to their requirements. Key features include: Round-the-clock support and advisory from a fully operational team of WAAP specialists
Automatic identification and classification of web applications and APIs, with scalable protection prioritised for exposed or sensitive data-handling assets
AI-powered threat detection combined with global threat intelligence to identify anomalies and adapt to emerging attack vectors
Expert-led, automated policy management to improve efficiency, reduce false positives, and align with contemporary DevOps workflows
The prevalence and complexity of online threats continues to increase. In 2024, Akamai reported witnessing over 311 billion web application attacks, highlighting the need for robust protection as organisations accelerate digital adoption and AI-powered attacks become more sophisticated. "In 2024 alone, Akamai saw over 311 billion web app attacks. As AI accelerates, threats are harder to spot, and security is tougher to control," said Rupesh Chokshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Akamai's Application Security Portfolio. "Akamai and LevelBlue's partnership gives customers access to a trusted, reliable team that combines industry-leading technology with the deep operational expertise of one of the world's largest MSSPs. It's a powerful combination with a flexible solution that can fast-track organisations to resilient protection and compliance."
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