The API Security Crisis Exposed By Akamai's State Of The Internet Report

How prepared are businesses for a new wave of attacks targeting the apps, APIs, and AI systems now powering digital growth? In this episode, I speak with Richard Meeus from Akamai Technologies about the latest findings from Akamai's State of the Internet report, with a focus on apps, APIs, and DDoS activity across EMEA. Richard explains why APIs have become such an attractive target for attackers, especially as AI adoption accelerates. We discuss the sharp rise in API abuse, the growing use of automation to industrialize attacks, and why many organizations still lack visibility into the APIs exposing sensitive data. We also examine the rise in layer 7 DDoS attacks, how attackers are combining multiple techniques to distract defenders, and why sectors such as retail and manufacturing are facing growing pressure. Richard also shares his view on the geopolitical forces shaping DDoS activity and why hacktivist groups continue to use these attacks as a public statement. Another major theme is the security risk around AI chatbots. As more organizations deploy chatbots to improve customer service, Richard explains how overly helpful AI systems can expose data, respond to prompt injection attempts, or create new blind spots if the right controls are missing. But this conversation is not all about risk. Richard also explains why AI can help defenders strengthen visibility, improve testing, analyze logs faster, and support more proactive security strategies. So, as businesses race to adopt AI and modern digital services, are they paying enough attention to the APIs and infrastructure sitting underneath it all? Share your thoughts.