F5 Networks Enhances DDoS Mitigation Capabilities

F5 expands security offerings with a highly scalable cloud-based DDoS mitigation service, engineered to absorb the largest attacks

ASIA PACIFIC, SINGAPORE, 17 July 2014 – F5 Networks (NASDAQ:FFIV) has announced the expansion of its solutions protecting against Internet-based distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that impact networks, data centers, and applications. In line with F5’s vision to provide a comprehensive portfolio of security solutions and services, customers will gain the option to employ a hybrid defense solution that combines on-premise and cloud-based capabilities.

To complement existing on-premise DDoS protection offerings, F5 has acquired Defense.Net, Inc., a privately-held provider of cloud-based security services. The advanced technologies and operational experience shared between the two companies will provide customers with a holistic and comprehensive hybrid solution, engineered to absorb the full threat spectrum of DDoS attacks.

The move expands F5’s portfolio of security solutions designed to defend against application-layer, network-layer, and data center attacks delivered via the Internet. Defense.Net’s technology complements F5’s Advanced Firewall Manager, expanding the company’s ability to protect customers from malicious attacks.

Analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s 2013 Asia-Pacific Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Protection Market[1] shows that the scope for DDoS protection market in the region is expanding in the wake of the growing volume and level of sophistication of attacks. In view of this, organizations in Asia Pacific – especially in the banking, financial services and insurance verticals – recognize the need for protection and are spending more on security solutions to combat these attacks.

Edwin Seo, F5 Regional Security Architect, APJ, notes, “The data shows that DDoS attacks are growing in size, sophistication and frequency in Asia Pacific. The damage from a DDoS attack can include loss of revenue, customer confidence, brand reputation, and potentially significant legal liabilities. With F5’s holistic approach, organizations will be able to defend against DDoS attacks across various threat vectors to better protect applications, networks, and data centers.”

Designed by DDoS industry pioneers, Defense.Net’s service is supported by an advanced, high-throughput infrastructure to protect organizations from the new generation of massive and sophisticated DDoS attacks. Defense.Net supports multiple protocols and provides groundbreaking features for remediation and control to safeguard customers from unforeseen threats, while maintaining application performance.

Additional Quotes

“F5’s objective is to help protect customers from ever-changing security threats before they impact their businesses,” said Manny Rivelo, EVP of Strategic Solutions at F5. “Customers ultimately want a unified solution that seamlessly blocks DDoS attacks at the appropriate network location for the type of threat posed. The appeal of a hybrid F5 solution is that it combines the best of on-premises and cloud-based protection. The highly respected team of security experts from Defense.Net is a welcomed addition to F5.”

“F5’s DDoS product engineering shows a comparable focus on scale and performance to how Defense.Net has built its mitigation capability in the cloud,” said Barrett Lyon, Founder of Defense.Net. “Customers of all sizes will be able to ensure that business-critical applications and networks are protected and available under the most demanding conditions regardless of the volume, type, or source of DDoS attack. Wherever it makes the most sense to stop an attack, F5 will provide the customer with the right defense.”

Availability

Currently a North America-based offering with Defense.Net, F5 is announcing the expansion of the service to APAC and EMEA, with availability anticipated in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2014. Please contact a local F5 sales office for additional information and product and service availability in specific countries.

Additional Resources

To see live demonstrations, visit us at Booth G8, RSA Conference Asia Pacific and Japan 2014 in Singapore on 22-23 July.

• F5 Blog on the Defense.Net Acquisition
• DDoS 2015: Understanding the Current and Pending DDoS Threat Landscape – White Paper
• F5 DDoS Protection Capabilities

[1] Frost & Sullivan: Business' Dependence on the Internet Spurs Asia-Pacific Distributed Denial of Service Attack Protection Market

About F5

F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) makes apps go faster, smarter, and safer for the world’s largest businesses, service providers, governments, and consumer brands. F5 delivers cloud and security solutions that enable organizations to embrace the application infrastructure they choose without sacrificing speed and control. For more information, go to f5.com. You can also follow @f5networks on Twitter or visit us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information about F5, its partners, and technologies.

F5 is a trademark or service mark of F5 Networks, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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