I was thrilled to catch up with F5 during Black Hat USA 2024. Years ago, when I started an innovative e-commerce company, we used their Big IP product to load balance and speed up SSL traffic. They were very innovative back then and remain an innovative internet powerhouse today, with capabilities to rival Cloud Flare and Akamai, to name a few. With F5’s location in the data flow of traffic in over 80% of Fortune 500 application infrastructures, F5 provides the ideal insertion point for security services – especially API security.
At F5, they tackle the increasingly complex challenges of API and AI security, recognizing that as technology advances, so do the threats. With the rise of generative AI and its integration into enterprise systems, companies face a dual-front battle against legacy security issues and new AI-related vulnerabilities. F5’s mission is to provide robust solutions safeguarding every app and API, ensuring businesses remain resilient in this evolving digital landscape.
F5’s approach to security is deeply rooted in the understanding that AI is a world of APIs. As companies embrace AI, the attack surface expands, making API security a critical priority. F5 addresses this with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to secure apps and APIs at every layer, from traditional ingress and egress security to advanced API and AI-specific protection.
Figure 1: F5 API enhancing architecture
F5 is focused on today’s threats and the risks posed by emerging architectures and use cases for these most modern apps, such as agentic AI and the complex web of dependencies within modern applications. By combining application and API security expertise with cutting-edge AI defenses, F5 empowers organizations to protect their most critical digital assets. Their solutions are informed by real-world offense and defense, ensuring we stay ahead of adversaries.
“Here’s the thing about F5 Distributed Cloud Services—it’s not just a powerhouse for AI; it’s our secret weapon for data security. It’s all about trust. With F5, Sentient.io isn’t just innovating; it’s also ensuring that data privacy and integrity are rock solid,” said Christopher Yeo, CEO of Sentient.io.
At F5, they also recognize that security is not just a technical challenge but a strategic one. That’s why they work closely with customers to align our security measures with their broader business goals, offering tailored solutions that are as effective as they are adaptable. Their partnerships, like the one with Sentient.io, exemplify their commitment to innovation and collaboration in the face of an ever- changing threat landscape.
“AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, and at F5, we’re focused on ensuring that our customers are not just prepared for these changes but are leading the charge in securing the future. Our focus on a robust defense-in-depth model and ability to support modern and hybrid apps anywhere they run makes F5 an obvious choice where security matters and positions us uniquely to tackle the challenges ahead,” said Chuck Herrin, Field CISO at F5.
F5 secures every app, every API, everywhere. As the digital world evolves, so do their solutions, helping ensure your business remains protected against current and emerging threats. Explore their offerings and see how F5 can help secure your digital future by visiting www.f5.com. Find them on Twitter: @F5 #APISecurity #AI #Cybersecurity.
About the Author
Gary Miliefsky is the publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine and a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. As the founder and CEO of Cyber Defense Media Group, he has significantly influenced the cybersecurity landscape. With decades of experience, Gary is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a National Information Security Group member, and an active adviser to government and private sector organizations. His insights have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and international media outlets, making him a trusted authority on advanced cyber threats and innovative defense strategies. Gary’s dedication to cybersecurity extends to educating the public, operating a scholarship program for young women in cybersecurity, and investing in and developing cutting-edge technologies to protect against evolving cyber risks.