Akamai Technologies Inc. recently announced two significant updates aimed at enhancing cloud security and optimizing application performance. These updates demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to addressing the evolving needs of cloud security and application performance optimization. The first major update involves the extension of Akamai Guardicore Segmentation to Amazon Web Services (AWS). This powerful service offers microsegmentation capabilities designed to isolate and protect critical applications and workloads by preventing the lateral movement of threats across cloud and on-premises environments. By providing agentless support for platform-as-a-service (PaaS) resources on Azure and AWS, it enables seamless microsegmentation across multi-cloud and on-premises settings. This update is ideal for administrators looking to visualize workloads through an interactive, near-real-time network flow map, aiding in understanding application dependencies, and unifying DevOps and SecOps teams.
Furthermore, the solution’s hybrid enforcement engine allows organizations to establish network policies that are automatically managed across data centers using various enforcement points. Integrated reputation analysis and DNS firewall capabilities are also part of this service, enhancing breach detection and response times significantly. Scalability is a major advantage of Akamai Guardicore Segmentation, ensuring that data remains secure within cloud environments while efficiently adapting to increased demands. This comprehensive service is intended to support organizations in maintaining robust security governance, improving application reliability, and reducing user frustration.
Extending Guardicore Segmentation to AWS
One of the key highlights of Akamai’s recent announcement is the extension of its Guardicore Segmentation service to Amazon Web Services. This move is crucial in providing advanced microsegmentation capabilities that are essential in today’s threat-laden digital landscape. Enterprises leveraging AWS for their operations can now benefit from the enhanced security provided by isolating and protecting critical applications and workloads. Microsegmentation effectively prevents the lateral movement of malicious threats within the cloud and on-premises environments alike. The support for PaaS resources on top cloud platforms like Azure and AWS enhances seamless microsegmentation, crucial for businesses operating in multi-cloud environments.
Administrators will appreciate the interactive, near-real-time network flow map feature, which aids in visualizing workloads and understanding application dependencies. This visualization capability is particularly beneficial for unifying DevOps and SecOps teams, fostering better collaboration and improved security practices. Additionally, the hybrid enforcement engine of the Guardicore Segmentation service provides a robust framework for establishing network policies that are managed automatically across different data centers through varied enforcement points. This flexibility ensures that security policies are consistently enforced, irrespective of the environment each workload resides in, thus significantly bolstering overall data protection.
Enhancing Breach Detection and Scalability
In addition to its versatility, the Guardicore Segmentation solution integrates reputation analysis and DNS firewall capabilities, which play a pivotal role in enhancing breach detection and response times. This level of integration ensures that potential security threats are identified and addressed promptly, mitigating risks before they can cause significant damage. Another major advantage of this service is its scalability. Designed to accommodate the growing needs of businesses, Akamai Guardicore Segmentation adapts effortlessly to increased demand, providing a reliable security solution for enterprises of all sizes. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to secure their data within both cloud and on-premises environments without compromising on performance.
The microsegmentation capabilities backed by Akamai’s solution offer businesses a comprehensive approach to achieving enhanced security. The ability to seamlessly extend these capabilities across major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure means organizations can maintain robust security postures even as they scale operations or navigate complex hybrid environments. With the integrated reputation analysis and DNS firewall functionalities, companies can expect enhanced breach detection and faster response times, ensuring a proactive approach to security threats. The Guardicore Segmentation service embodies Akamai’s commitment to providing solutions that meet the ever-evolving security and performance requirements of cloud-based operations.
Optimizing Application Performance with ZTNA
The second major update announced by Akamai is aimed at optimizing application performance through its zero-trust network access (ZTNA) solution, known as Enterprise Application Access. Zero trust is an increasingly popular security strategy that operates on the principle that no user or device should be inherently trusted. Instead, it requires stringent access controls and continuous verification processes. Akamai has incorporated new features into its ZTNA solution that leverage its global edge infrastructure to enhance data flow efficiency for users regardless of their location. This update introduces edge transport optimization, simplifying the process for users accessing corporate networks by reducing latency and improving download speeds by up to two to three times.
Akamai’s latest enhancements also include the addition of local points of presence, which help enforce ZTNA policies closer to users and applications. By doing so, the solution reduces the distance data needs to travel, consequently minimizing latency and dramatically improving application performance. This update ensures that users experience faster access to files and applications without the need for additional hardware or complex software deployments. The integration of performance optimization directly into the application path effectively addresses common issues such as slow application access, which can lead to increased IT support calls. This not only provides a smoother and more reliable user experience but also helps in reducing operational overheads associated with managing network performance.
Supporting Zero-Trust Strategies
Akamai Technologies Inc. recently announced significant updates to enhance cloud security and optimize application performance, underscoring its dedication to meeting the evolving needs in these areas. The first update expands Akamai Guardicore Segmentation to Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing robust microsegmentation to isolate and protect critical applications. This helps prevent lateral threat movement across both cloud and on-premises environments. The update offers agentless support for platform-as-a-service (PaaS) on Azure and AWS, allowing seamless microsegmentation in multi-cloud and on-premises settings. It’s ideal for administrators wanting to visualize workloads through an interactive, near-real-time network flow map, improving understanding of application dependencies, and unifying DevOps and SecOps teams.
Additionally, Akamai’s hybrid enforcement engine lets organizations automatically manage network policies across data centers using various enforcement points. Integrated reputation analysis and a DNS firewall increase breach detection and response times. The scalability of Akamai Guardicore Segmentation ensures data security while adapting to demands. This comprehensive service supports strong security governance, enhances application reliability, and reduces user frustration.
