LevelBlue and Akamai Team Up to Deliver AI-Powered Web App and API Security

LevelBlue has partnered with Akamai to launch a managed Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) service, targeting a fast-growing security challenge for organizations that are increasingly dependent on digital applications. The offering combines Akamai’s App & API Protector technology with LevelBlue’s dedicated WAAP operations team to deliver always-on, adaptive protection against a spectrum of online threats.

The move comes as organizations expand their reliance on APIs and web apps to support digital-first strategies. Industry forecasts show the average enterprise will operate more than 200 web applications within two years, up from 145 today, while API usage will become dominant in 80 percent of organizations. That growth is creating a security strain, particularly for midmarket businesses where half report that securing these assets is harder now than it was two years ago.

The new service blends next-generation web application firewall (WAF) capabilities, DDoS mitigation, bot management, and foundational API security. It is available in two tiers—Essential and Advanced—allowing companies to tailor the level of support and automation they need. Both tiers include continuous monitoring, asset discovery and classification, AI-driven anomaly detection, and streamlined policy management designed to fit into DevOps workflows.

“Today, a surprising number of organizations rely on multiple tools that are not purpose-built for web application and API security—leading to complexity, silos, and rising costs,” said Sundhar Annamalai, president of LevelBlue. “LevelBlue offers an alternative: proven services that consolidate and simplify protections with predictable investment. By combining LevelBlue’s operational expertise with Akamai’s proven technology, organizations can stay ahead of evolving threats and create cyber resilience for critical digital capabilities.”

The partnership also reflects the growing pressure to address advanced threats more quickly. In 2024, Akamai recorded over 311 billion web application attacks. As AI increasingly augments both attackers and defenders, detection and response speed is becoming a key differentiator.

“As AI accelerates, threats are harder to spot, and security is tougher to control,” said Rupesh Chokshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Akamai’s Application Security Portfolio. “Akamai and LevelBlue’s partnership gives customers access to a trusted, reliable team that combines industry-leading technology with the deep operational expertise of one of the world’s largest MSSPs. It’s a powerful combination with a flexible solution that can fast-track organizations to resilient protection and compliance.”

With the managed WAAP service, LevelBlue and Akamai are betting that organizations will value a consolidated, intelligence-driven approach over a patchwork of tools—particularly as the security talent shortage continues to drive demand for outsourced expertise.