Akamai Technologies Inc (AKAM) Reports 33% Increase in Web Attacks, Highlights API Vulnerabilities | AKAM stock news

New Report Reveals AI's Role in Expanding Attack Surfaces and Security Challenges

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3 days ago

Summary

Akamai Technologies Inc (AKAM, Financial), a leader in cybersecurity and cloud computing, released its latest State of the Internet report on April 22, 2025. The report highlights a significant 33% increase in web attacks in 2024, totaling 311 billion incidents. This surge is linked to the rapid adoption of AI-powered applications, which have expanded attack surfaces and introduced new security challenges. The report also identifies APIs as primary targets, with 150 billion API attacks documented over the past two years.

Positive Aspects

  • Akamai's report provides critical insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, helping businesses understand emerging threats.
  • The report offers recommended mitigation strategies, aiding organizations in strengthening their defenses against sophisticated attacks.
  • Akamai's expertise and comprehensive data collection position it as a trusted source for cybersecurity intelligence.

Negative Aspects

  • The report reveals a concerning increase in web and API attacks, indicating growing vulnerabilities in digital infrastructures.
  • AI-powered APIs are identified as particularly vulnerable, with inadequate authentication mechanisms exacerbating security risks.
  • The high technology and commerce sectors are heavily targeted, highlighting industry-specific security challenges.

Financial Analyst Perspective

From a financial analyst's viewpoint, Akamai's report underscores the increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions, which could drive revenue growth for the company. The rise in web and API attacks presents an opportunity for Akamai to expand its market share by offering advanced security products and services. However, the growing complexity of cyber threats also necessitates continuous investment in research and development to maintain a competitive edge.

Market Research Analyst Perspective

As a market research analyst, the report highlights the critical role of AI in both enhancing and challenging cybersecurity measures. The rapid adoption of AI applications is reshaping the digital landscape, creating new opportunities and threats. Akamai's findings suggest a growing need for innovative security solutions tailored to AI-driven environments. The emphasis on API vulnerabilities indicates a potential market for specialized API security products, which could be a key growth area for cybersecurity firms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main finding of Akamai's latest report?

A: The report finds a 33% increase in web attacks in 2024, with APIs emerging as primary targets.

Q: How does AI impact cybersecurity according to the report?

A: AI applications expand attack surfaces and introduce new security challenges, making AI-powered APIs particularly vulnerable.

Q: Which industries are most affected by these attacks?

A: The commerce and high technology sectors are the most impacted, with significant increases in attack volumes.

Q: What does the report recommend for mitigating these threats?

A: The report offers mitigation strategies and insights on risk scoring and technical methods to assist defenders.

Read the original press release here.

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