Snyk Acquires Probely to Enhance API Security Amid Rising Demand
Snyk, a Boston-based security company, has announced its acquisition of Probely, a dynamic application security testing firm based in Porto, Portugal. This strategic move comes in response to the escalating demand for secure API functionalities, particularly as companies increasingly adopt generative AI technologies. The acquisition aims to bolster Snyk’s capabilities in protecting applications that utilize application programming interfaces (APIs), which are becoming pivotal in the development of AI-based applications.
Founded in 2016, Probely has made a name for itself with its innovative approach to security testing, characterized by low false-positive rates and user-friendly interfaces. The company’s emphasis on API security testing aligns well with Snyk’s goal of providing comprehensive security coverage throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Manoj Nair, Snyk’s Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized that clients—particularly large early adopters of AI—have expressed a pressing need for integrated API security testing solutions. Nair also indicated that the traditional penetration testing methods, like dynamic application security testing (DAST), now increasingly incorporate crucial API assessments to safeguard emerging AI-native solutions.
Probely’s dynamic testing capabilities integrate seamlessly within continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows, allowing organizations to identify vulnerabilities prior to application deployment. This proactive approach represents a significant evolution in security practices, as it shifts focus from identifying weaknesses post-production to addressing them at the pre-deployment stage. Companies utilizing both static (SAST) and dynamic (DAST) testing methodologies will benefit from a robust validation process, ensuring that discovered vulnerabilities are not mere theoretical risks, but real issues that require immediate remediation.
The integration of Probely into Snyk’s suite of services underscores the growing necessity for organizations to prioritize API security testing. Nair noted that many applications often integrate APIs that may not have undergone proper testing, creating vulnerabilities that must be managed proactively. The acquisition positions Snyk well to address these challenges comprehensively, leveraging Probely’s strengths in the API security domain.
As cybersecurity threats evolve, especially with the widespread use of AI technologies, the implications for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) become critical. Nair highlighted the necessity for organizations to conduct thorough and early API assessments to circumvent vulnerabilities linked to the OWASP Top 10 API threats. Without robust API testing, enterprises risk exposing their AI-native applications to significant security breaches.
Snyk’s acquisition of Probely not only enhances its API security offerings but also reflects a larger strategy to streamline security solutions for developers, facilitating their productivity while ensuring compliance with essential security standards. The synergy created between Snyk and Probely promises to bolster the overall security landscape for companies increasingly reliant on API-driven developments, paving the way for a presence in the automated security segment throughout the SDLC.
As Snyk moves forward with this acquisition, it sets ambitious growth targets, aiming for substantial contributions to its annual recurring revenue. By focusing on integrating Probely’s capabilities into its existing platform seamlessly, Snyk intends to deliver significant value to its clients while preparing for potential public offerings in the near future. The proactive approach to API security testing exemplified by this acquisition may prove vital in safeguarding organizations against an increasing array of cybersecurity vulnerabilities linked directly to AI and API development.
