F5 & NetApp boost AI data security for quantum era

F5 has expanded its collaboration with NetApp as demand grows for AI data infrastructure and stronger protection against future quantum computing threats.

The companies are combining F5's Application Delivery and Security platform with NetApp's intelligent data infrastructure for AI. They are targeting enterprises that run large AI and machine learning workloads on S3-compatible storage.

The move extends an existing relationship between the vendors. It focuses on AI data throughput, reliability and security, including protection of sensitive data against so-called "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks.

F5 said its Application Delivery and Security Platform, when deployed with NetApp-based storage, supports high data transfer rates for AI workloads. The platform manages application traffic. NetApp's systems handle storage and access for large datasets.

The joint architecture uses load balancing, traffic prioritisation and real-time analytics in front of NetApp's S3 storage. This separates data transport functions from the storage layer.

Customers can route AI and ML workflows through F5's traffic management layer. They can then write and read data from NetApp's object storage systems.

The companies said this approach improves throughput, availability and security for AI pipelines that span multiple sites and clouds. It also adds controls for encrypting data in transit.

They are also positioning the combination as a way to address future risks from quantum computing. Security experts expect large-scale quantum systems to break some current encryption standards.

F5 and NetApp are offering complementary post-quantum cryptography features. These apply to S3 data streams that move between applications, F5 appliances and NetApp StorageGRID clusters.

F5 BIG-IP products already support hybrid key agreement methods and algorithms approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. These are designed to resist attacks from quantum-capable adversaries.

The vendors describe this as a step towards quantum-safe encryption. They say it allows organisations to deploy post-quantum mechanisms alongside existing cryptography.

One risk they highlight is the "harvest now, decrypt later" model. In this scenario, attackers steal encrypted data today and store it. They then wait for quantum computers that can break the encryption.

The F5 and NetApp approach aims to protect S3 data flows against this future risk. It does this by adding stronger, quantum-resistant algorithms on top of current protocols.

PQC transition

The companies are promoting an incremental path to post-quantum readiness. They recommend broad adoption of the TLS 1.3 protocol as a foundation.

F5 said TLS 1.3 improves handshake speed and reduces latency. It also simplifies cipher suites and removes older, weaker options.

F5's platform supports hybrid cryptography for TLS connections. This combines traditional public key methods with post-quantum algorithms.

The vendors said that hybrid schemes give organisations more time to update applications and hardware. They also preserve interoperability between systems that adopt PQC at different rates.

The guidance from F5 and NetApp is to prioritise quantum-resistant protection for high-risk data. Examples include healthcare records and financial data.

Less sensitive datasets can remain on conventional encryption for longer. This reduces resource and cost overheads while the transition progresses.

F5 and NetApp argue that this selective roll-out keeps AI data platforms operational during cryptographic change. It also avoids large-scale redesigns of existing infrastructure.

John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer at F5, said customers now face competing demands around performance and security.

"Enterprises are increasingly faced with balancing demand for both unprecedented application performance and robust cybersecurity," said John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer at F5. "Our collaboration with NetApp is aimed at simplifying high-performance AI data delivery scenarios, while enabling customers to adopt post-quantum readiness incrementally. Through cutting-edge solutions for TLS 1.3, modern ciphers, and global traffic management, we're empowering organisations to scale infrastructure while fortifying data security."

The latest work also extends NetApp's StorageGRID object storage platform. StorageGRID already supports S3 interfaces for AI data lakes and archives.

NetApp is adding further integration points with F5's traffic management and encryption functions. These sit in front of StorageGRID clusters and edge locations.

The firms said this joint approach targets AI data ingest, training pipelines and large-scale inferencing deployments. It covers on-premises data centres and public cloud environments.

They are also positioning the partnership for regulated sectors. These include healthcare, financial services and government.

These industries often store long-lived data. They also face strict security and compliance rules that may evolve as PQC standards mature.

Spencer Sells, Vice President, Global Alliances at NetApp, said the collaboration aligns with enterprise needs around AI and data protection.

"This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions for today's enterprises," said Spencer Sells, Vice President, Global Alliances at NetApp. "By leveraging the latest innovations in NetApp StorageGRID with F5's advanced traffic management and quantum-secure encryption technologies, customers can unlock the full potential of their AI workflows and protect critical data."

Both companies expect standards for post-quantum cryptography to keep evolving. They plan further joint work as regulators and industry groups publish detailed requirements.