Businesses tend to rely heavily on web applications and APIs to deliver critical services and functionalities. It should be noted that this reliance creates a vulnerability, as these applications become prime targets for cyberattacks. DDoS attacks, for instance, can cripple online operations by overwhelming servers with a flood of malicious traffic. Additionally, sophisticated bots can mimic legitimate users to gain unauthorized access or manipulate data.

To combat these threats, companies require robust security solutions that can not only shield their applications from attacks; they can also provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities.

Akamai Technologies, a cloud services provider, addresses this need with its Akamai (News - Alert) App & API Protector. This comprehensive platform safeguards applications and APIs against a wide range of threats. It lets businesses deliver a seamless and secure online experience for their users.

Recognizing the threat landscape continues to change, Akamai recently announced enhancements to its App & API Protector. Let's delve deeper into these upgrades and explore how they strengthen application security for businesses.

The improved Layer 7 DDoS protections precisely detect and counter short attack bursts, while incorporating client reputation scores for more effective rate limiting. A new URL Protection feature safeguards the availability of critical URLs, APIs, and microservices by prioritizing legitimate traffic during distributed attacks.

Akamai App & API Protector also now includes Browser Impersonation Detection, which uses machine learning to gain deeper insights into browser behavior for improved bot detection with minimal false positives.

"The evolution of Akamai App & API Protector highlights our focus on innovation and a customer-centric approach," said Rupesh Chokshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Application Security (News - Alert) at Akamai.

Additional enhancements streamline user experience and security posture a simplified self-service onboarding and application setup, a common vulnerabilities and exposures protection catalog, client-side protection and compliance, dvanced SOCC services that help users stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and web security analytics updates. The web security analytics updates help operations with customizable dashboards, configuration change indicators, webhook alerts and shortened deep links for easier sharing.

Overall, these upgrades help businesses become better prepared to secure their web applications and APIs from evolving threats while simplifying security management.

“These machine learning enhancements and shared telemetry across Akamai are designed to strengthen and simplify web application and API defense,” said Chokshi. “They provide the strategic edge necessary for businesses to thrive in today's digital economy.”

App & API Protector gives customers proactive, intelligent defense solutions equipped to handle the threats of today — and tomorrow.