F5's Pratik Shah Addresses API Security Challenges in India

In this exclusive Q&A session with Pratik Shah, Managing Director for India and SAARC at F5. Shah shares valuable insights into the rapidly evolving API security landscape and the crucial role of AI in safeguarding modern applications.

In this interview, we delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the increased reliance on APIs, exploring how organizations can effectively protect their digital assets in today's threat-filled environment.

AI is Key to Combating API Attacks

How has the API landscape evolved in recent years, and what are the significant changes impacting security practices today, especially in India?

Pratik Shah: The API landscape has transformed significantly from a simple communication tool to the backbone of modern software development. Organizations now adopt an API-first architecture, especially with the proliferation of microservices and Kubernetes-based architectures. This shift has expanded the attack surface, creating more security concerns. Additionally, the rise of AI has introduced new challenges, such as API exposure and misuse, which organizations must address to prevent breaches.

What specific security challenges have arisen due to increased API usage?

Pratik Shah: API-based attacks have surged. Recent data shows that 92% of all mitigated attacks in the past year were API-related, up from 70%. This highlights the increased risk associated with APIs. The main challenges revolve around managing API sprawl—many enterprises lack a complete inventory of their APIs—and ensuring consistent security policies across multi-cloud environments, where applications and APIs interact.

What opportunities have emerged with this increased focus on APIs, and how is F5 addressing them?

Pratik Shah: With the rise of API usage, there's a significant opportunity for organizations to develop centralized API management strategies. There is also a growing investment in API security solutions, as enterprises recognize that APIs are now integral to business operations. At F5, we have developed a comprehensive, robust application security platform that is API-first, providing visibility, telemetry, and risk scoring for APIs. We offer a holistic solution that covers API security from code testing to runtime protection.

What tools does F5 recommend for organizations to gain better visibility and control over their API landscape?

Pratik Shah: Organizations should invest in AI-ready, API-first, cloud-native security solutions that offer a comprehensive approach to managing APIs. Solutions need to be distributed in nature, scalable, and capable of leveraging AI/ML to detect and mitigate complex API attacks effectively.

What technical approaches or architectural patterns does F5 recommend to help customers address these challenges?

Pratik Shah: We recommend establishing a robust AI governance framework that provides guidelines on data usage, algorithm transparency, and accountability. Additionally, enterprises should avoid being locked into specific AI security solutions and focus on adopting cloud-native, scalable solutions that optimize costs. AI integration into security operations can enable real-time detection and mitigation, enhancing security posture and maximizing AI investments.

What are the best practices for optimizing performance without compromising security when integrating AI?

Pratik Shah: Companies should use a suite of comprehensive solutions that enhance application security, performance, and availability. This includes advanced API management and security solutions that allow innovation at scale. F5 provides a unique offering with holistic solutions spanning on-premise, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments, ensuring robust protection for apps and APIs regardless of their location.

With the potential emergence of the Chief AI Officer role, what will be their key responsibilities and skill sets?

Pratik Shah: The Chief AI Officer will need to build and maintain a governance framework for the safe and ethical use of AI. They will focus on upskilling the workforce and managing data effectively, especially as more data gets uploaded and consumed. The role will require a deep understanding of both technical and ethical aspects of AI and the ability to bridge gaps between various teams within the organization.

The 2024 State of AI Application Strategy report indicates a significant increase in organizations considering AI as a core business focus. What factors are driving this change, and how is F5 supporting their AI adoption journey?

Pratik Shah: AI's potential for cost optimization, customer engagement, and competitive advantage is driving its adoption. At F5, we are committed to continuous innovation in AI-driven security solutions, helping enterprises integrate AI into their security operations for real-time detection, mitigation, and overall enhanced security.