Digital transformation requires trust – what does F5 believe is the foundation for secure digital infrastructures?
Trust is built when digital services work reliably, quickly and securely – this is the basis for customer loyalty and business success. Most of these digital services are now delivered based on APIs, which are the backbone of modern digital applications.
A successful transformation is achieved not only through internal integration, but also through open, secure ‘API ecosystems’ that can be used to tap into new lines of business. From a technological perspective, API gateways are now central components for achieving the above goals, and they must ensure scalability, performance and security at all times.
To protect these gateways, security services such as proactive vulnerability detection, anomaly analysis and strong authentication are essential.
The use of artificial intelligence (e.g. for anomaly detection or personalisation of digital services) not only makes the infrastructure more secure, but also more intelligent and adaptable.
How does F5 address the growing complexity of hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures in terms of security and control?
F5 pursues a consolidated platform approach for the delivery and protection of web applications and API interfaces. Every day, we talk to numerous customers who are struggling with the complexity of isolated security technologies and are therefore turning to providers of fully integrated platforms. Our F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) strategy aims to seamlessly integrate relevant functions, centrally control all security and configuration rules, and enable comprehensive automation.
With ADSP, we are moving away from the rigid architectures of a CDN and can build highly flexible architectures that can secure all applications and APIs, regardless of whether they are consumed by internal or external users. It does not matter whether these are operated in our own data centre or run in a public cloud (or at the ‘edge’). The F5 Distributed Cloud Services introduced in 2022, with their SaaS platform, play a decisive role here as a hub for telemetry, analysis and configuration of the two other technologies: BIG-IP and NGINX. F5 technologies can already be used complementarily, such as AI-supported analysis of API-based data traffic on a BIG-IP or the detection of automated attempts to take control of applications (bot defence).
What do you think needs to change at the political, regulatory or industry level to make secure digital infrastructures a reality across the board?
A comprehensive secure digital infrastructure can only be achieved if all stakeholders, from companies to private users, take joint responsibility and engage in a continuous learning process. Key approaches include raising awareness of cybersecurity, sustainably expanding IT skills and promoting open cooperation within the industry.
