Akamai Acquires Inverse, Boosts Zero Trust Security Platform
Edge platform and security specialist Akamai has acquired Montreal-based Inverse, a company that identifies devices and expected behaviors to better secure the Internet of Things (IoT) for the enterprise.
Akamai expects the acquisition to enhance its enterprise security capabilities and expand its portfolio of zero trust and secure access service edge solutions for IoT, the company said. Terms of the all-cash transaction were not disclosed.
“Enterprises already have thousands of ‘things’ connecting to their networks, and that number is only expected to grow, making securing the enterprise ever more difficult. Gaining context and visibility into the device landscape, with what the devices are communicating and their typical behavior is critical,” said Dr. Robert Blumofe, EVP of platform and GM of Akamai’s enterprise division. “By combining the Inverse device fingerprint data repository with Akamai’s own security data from the 1.3 billion device interactions that take place daily across the Akamai Intelligent Edge security platform, we believe we can create an industry leading solution to apply zero trust controls and enhanced security to the full landscape of devices and workforce.”
Inverse offers a data repository and algorithms capable of identifying IoT, mobile and other device types, including HVAC, lighting systems, medical equipment, robotics, printers and more, paired with an understanding of expected network behaviors.
“Any number of internet-connected devices can be a jumping-off point for malware to discover and exfiltrate sensitive corporate data,” said Ludovic Marcotte, president and CEO of Inverse. “The Fingerbank data lake provides visibility into the device landscape — what the devices are communicating with and their typical behavior. With an anticipated 41.6 billion internet-connected devices by 2025, according to IDC, this data is essential so that enterprises can apply the correct security controls.”
To read MESA’s coverage of recent Akamai presentations on DDoS attacks and content piracy, click here and here.