Link11 Highlights Growing Cybersecurity Risks and Introduces Integrated WAAP Protection Platform

Link11, a Germany-based global IT security provider, has released insights into the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and announced the capabilities of its Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) platform, designed to provide multi-layered defenses against modern digital threats.

The rapid pace of digital transformation has expanded the opportunities for organizations across industries. However, every new web application and API also broadens the attack surface, leaving businesses increasingly exposed.

Cybercriminals are employing sophisticated tactics that target all levels of application infrastructure, rendering traditional point solutions insufficient.

Key Threats Facing Digital Platforms:

DDoS attacks at the application layer

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks have traditionally been associated with overwhelming data floods.

Increasingly, attackers use more subtle methods at the application level (Layer 7), simulating legitimate traffic to disrupt resource-intensive services such as login pages, search functions, or APIs.

A recent example occurred when the website of an Israeli city council was hit by approximately 18 million HTTP requests in just minutes, temporarily disrupting operations.

Malicious bots

Automated traffic continues to account for a significant share of web activity, with malicious bots responsible for credential stuffing, content scraping, inventory theft, and fraud.

Reseller bots, for example, often purchase large volumes of limited products such as concert tickets or designer items, leaving genuine customers unable to access them.

Limitations of traditional WAFs

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) remain widely used but often rely on signature-based rules, which can fail to detect newer attack methods while generating false positives.

Such gaps leave applications vulnerable to modern “low-and-slow” attacks and zero-day exploits, as well as to familiar threats like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

API vulnerabilities

APIs are central to digital ecosystems, yet frequently underprotected. Unmonitored “shadow APIs” can unintentionally expand the attack surface.

Attacks on API endpoints can lead to service disruptions, data theft, and account takeovers, underscoring the need for more advanced defenses.

The Link11 WAAP Platform

Link11’s WAAP platform has been developed to address these challenges through an integrated, real-time security framework.

• Unified all-in-one platform: Consolidates multiple protection functions into a single interface to simplify management.
• Real-time multi-layered protection: Detects and mitigates malicious traffic while ensuring seamless access for legitimate users.
• Flexible deployment: Compatible with diverse infrastructures, protecting web applications and APIs regardless of hosting environment.
• 24/7 managed support: Backed by round-the-clock monitoring from Link11’s global Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
• Data security and compliance: Operates on a wholly Link11-owned cloud platform, ensuring GDPR compliance and eliminating non-EU access risks.

About Link11

Link11 is a specialized IT security provider headquartered in Germany with offices worldwide. The company delivers enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions, including protection for critical infrastructures.

Link11 is ISO 27001 certified and recognized by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) as a qualified provider for critical infrastructure protection.

Contact

Lisa Froehlich
Link11 GmbH
l.froehlich@link11.com