Agentic AI Ushers in New Era for API Security

Akamai CEO Tom Leighton on Managing Risk From Autonomous Systems Michael Novinson (MichaelNovinson) • March 30, 2026

Agentic artificial intelligence is reshaping enterprise attack surfaces by increasing API use and expanding exposure to exploitation and data theft, said Tom Leighton, co-founder and CEO at Akamai.

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Security teams must first identify growing volumes of APIs and shadow AI activity across environments. To defend against AI-driven threats, organizations need specialized controls, including AI-aware firewalls, outbound monitoring and segmentation. As agent-to-agent communication rises, enforcing strict controls over data exchange is critical.

"You have to have microsegmentation, so you've got a firewall agent on every critical application or device to keep your enterprise safe. It's vital now in the age of AI," Leighton said.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at RSAC Conference 2026, Leighton also discussed ...