Deutsche Telekom boosts API security with Akamai deal

Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security has started using its Security Certified Service Provider initiative as it expands managed cybersecurity services for customers in finance, insurance, critical infrastructure and the public sector.

The arrangement centres on Akamai's Security Certified Service capabilities, which Deutsche Telekom Security uses for ongoing operational services tied to API security programmes. Akamai also said Deutsche Telekom Security has extended its service offering around Akamai Guardicore Segmentation deployments.

Deutsche Telekom Security operates as a standalone cybersecurity provider within Deutsche Telekom. Akamai described Deutsche Telekom as the world's largest telecoms provider by revenue.

API operations

Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security now provides what it calls Day-2 operations services for customers that run API security programmes. The services cover ongoing management across an API security lifecycle, according to Akamai.

Akamai listed hybrid deployments, quarterly business reviews and API audits and compliance as elements of the service. It also cited security incident management and proactive API security testing.

In addition, Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security is extending its support for customers using Akamai Guardicore Segmentation. Akamai framed that work as microsegmentation support in its announcement.

Akamai said the Guardicore-related services include segmentation administration, security incident management and audit and compliance. Akamai added that the services can run on a sovereign cloud.

Sector focus

Akamai positioned the services for regulated and high-risk environments. It named finance, insurance, critical infrastructure and the public sector as target sectors for Deutsche Telekom Security's managed services delivery under the programme.

In the same announcement, Akamai pointed to rising API attack volumes as a factor behind demand for API security services and segmentation approaches. It cited a 2025 Akamai State of the Internet report.

Akamai said the report recorded 150 billion API attacks between January 2023 and December 2024.

Customer deployments

Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security recently implemented Akamai's software-defined segmentation product for a major state bank in Germany. Akamai did not name the bank.

The companies did not disclose commercial terms for the work. They also did not set out revenue expectations, customer targets, or a timeline for further roll-outs.

Partner programme

Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security is a member of Akamai Partner Connect. Akamai framed the work as an example of uptake for enhancements to its Security Certified Service Provider programmes.

Christian Günther, Head of Sales Major Accounts at Deutsche Telekom Security, described Deutsche Telekom Security as an early adopter of the enhanced programme.

"We're seeing great results with Akamai's enhanced Security Certified Service Provider programs," said Christian Günther, Head of Sales Major Accounts, Deutsche Telekom Security. "As an early adopter, we're providing our customers even better API security and software-defined segmentation support. This helps them stay secure and compliant with regulations, even in a dynamic cybersecurity landscape that's becoming increasingly complex."

Akamai Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Services Paul Joseph linked the programme to requirements in sensitive sectors and data sovereignty.

"We are pleased that Deutsche Telekom Security is already delivering on the benefits of our enhanced Security Certified Service Provider programs to expand their cybersecurity service offerings, particularly for organizations in sensitive sectors that require the highest levels of security and data sovereignty," said Paul Joseph, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Services at Akamai. "By doing so, Deutsche Telekom Security can provide more comprehensive security solutions to their customers, ultimately helping businesses stay secure and focused on their core business objectives."

Akamai said Deutsche Telekom Security's offer includes 24/7 monitoring and a team of more than 240 security specialists worldwide. The company said Deutsche Telekom Security has more than 25 years of experience and holds a leading market position in the DACH region.

Akamai said the programme work continues to cover API security operations and services for Akamai Guardicore Segmentation deployments, including options for sovereign cloud environments.