Akamai Acquires LayerX to Improve AI Browser Security
Akamai Technologies is acquiring Israeli browser security startup LayerX in a $205 million cash deal, a purchase that expands Akamai’s Zero Trust security portfolio into the browser layer. Employees often access generative AI platforms and AI agents directly through browsers, creating new security challenges for IT teams.
LayerX develops browser-native security technology designed to monitor and control how employees and AI agents interact with web applications. The company’s platform supports mainstream browsers rather than requiring organizations to deploy proprietary enterprise browsers, allowing enterprises to add controls without changing employee workflows.
Akamai said the LayerX platform will help customers gain visibility into how workers use LLM platforms and what data is being shared with AI services. The technology also supports next-gen agentic AI browsers like OpenAI’s Atlas and Perplexity’s Comet.
Browser as a Control Point
Cybersecurity priorities are shifting as enterprises attempt to manage the rapid adoption of generative AI. Traditional security tools were built around predictable human behavior and network traffic patterns. AI agents introduce a different challenge because they can autonomously create files and transfer data at machine speed.
LayerX’s technology focuses on the browser as the control point for these interactions. The platform includes capabilities such as shadow AI discovery, generative AI-focused data loss prevention, browser extension management, misuse detection and policy enforcement for AI software and plugins. It also provides telemetry around user behavior inside browser sessions, data that can be integrated into access control systems.
Akamai executives said that browser-level visibility supports existing Zero Trust Network Access and microsegmentation products by adding contextual insight into what users and AI systems are actually doing inside applications. The company plans to integrate LayerX with its overall enterprise security portfolio while continuing to offer the product as a standalone platform in the near term.
LayerX has raised approximately $45 million from investors, including Glilot Capital, Dell Technologies Capital, Jump Capital and others. The company most recently announced an $11 million Series A extension in 2025. Akamai said the LayerX business is expected to generate roughly $10 million in annual recurring revenue by the end of 2026.
The LayerX team, including co-founders Or Eshed and David Vaisbrud, will join Akamai’s Zero Trust organization following the close of the transaction, which is expected during the third quarter of 2026 pending customary approvals.
The acquisition continues Akamai’s expansion of its cybersecurity operations in Israel, which has become a major hub for the company’s security business. Previous Israeli acquisitions include Guardicore, Noname Security, NeoSec and ChameleonX. Guardicore, acquired in 2021 for roughly $600 million, became a core component of Akamai’s microsegmentation and Zero Trust offerings.
