# Akamai Integration

Module: moai-platform-auth0/modules/akamai-integration.md
Version: 1.0.0
Last Updated: 2025-12-24

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## Overview

Auth0 integrates with Akamai to provide supplemental security signals for enhanced attack protection. This integration allows organizations using Akamai's edge security services to leverage bot scores and risk signals within Auth0 Actions for more intelligent authentication decisions.

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## Integration Purpose

### Enhanced Bot Detection

Combine Auth0's native bot detection with Akamai's comprehensive bot intelligence for more accurate threat identification.

### Risk-Based Authentication

Use Akamai's risk signals to trigger additional authentication steps or block suspicious requests.

### Edge-to-Identity Security

Create a unified security posture from the edge (Akamai) to identity management (Auth0).

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## Configuration Prerequisites

### Akamai Requirements

Active Akamai Bot Manager or Enterprise Application Access subscription.

Akamai API credentials with appropriate permissions.

Understanding of Akamai's bot detection and risk scoring mechanisms.

### Auth0 Requirements

Auth0 tenant with attack protection features enabled.

Appropriate plan level supporting custom Actions.

Understanding of Auth0 Actions and post-login triggers.

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## Configuration Steps

### Step 1: Configure Akamai to Send Supplemental Signals

Set up Akamai to forward security signals to Auth0.

Configure the Akamai-Auth0 integration endpoint.

Define which signals should be passed to Auth0.

### Step 2: Create Auth0 Action for Signal Processing

Navigate to Auth0 Dashboard, then Actions, then Library.

Create a new custom Action for the post-login trigger.

Implement logic to read and process Akamai supplemental signals.

### Step 3: Configure Signal Processing Logic

Define thresholds for different risk levels.

Map Akamai bot scores to authentication decisions.

Implement appropriate responses (allow, challenge, block).

### Step 4: Test the Integration

Verify signals are being received correctly.

Test authentication flows with various risk levels.

Validate that appropriate actions are taken based on signals.

### Step 5: Deploy and Monitor

Deploy the Action to production.

Monitor signal processing and authentication outcomes.

Adjust thresholds and logic based on observed behavior.

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## Using Akamai Supplemental Signals in Actions

### Accessing Signals

Akamai supplemental signals are available in the Auth0 Action context through the event object.

### Common Signal Types

Bot Score: Numerical assessment of whether the request originates from a bot.

Risk Level: Overall risk assessment from Akamai's analysis.

Client Reputation: Historical behavior analysis of the client.

Geographic Indicators: Location-based risk factors.

### Decision Logic Patterns

Low Risk (Allow): Bot score below threshold, no risk indicators.

Medium Risk (Challenge): Elevated bot score or minor risk indicators. Trigger step-up authentication or CAPTCHA.

High Risk (Block): High bot score or significant risk indicators. Deny authentication or require additional verification.

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## Integration Patterns

### Pattern 1: Bot Score Threshold

Configure a simple threshold-based approach where requests with bot scores above a defined level trigger additional authentication or are blocked.

When to Use: Organizations wanting straightforward bot mitigation without complex logic.

### Pattern 2: Combined Risk Assessment

Combine Akamai signals with Auth0's native risk assessment for comprehensive threat evaluation.

When to Use: Organizations requiring layered security with multiple signal sources.

### Pattern 3: Adaptive Response

Implement dynamic responses that adjust based on the combination of multiple risk factors.

When to Use: Organizations with sophisticated security requirements and the capability to manage complex rule sets.

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## Best Practices

### Signal Processing

Establish clear thresholds for different risk levels.

Document the logic for signal interpretation.

Implement logging for signal values and decisions.

Regularly review and adjust thresholds based on effectiveness.

### Integration Maintenance

Monitor the integration health regularly.

Keep Akamai and Auth0 configurations synchronized.

Test the integration after any changes to either platform.

Maintain documentation of the integration configuration.

### Security Considerations

Protect API credentials used for the integration.

Implement rate limiting on the integration endpoints.

Monitor for unusual patterns in signal values.

Have fallback procedures if the integration becomes unavailable.

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## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

Signals Not Received: Verify Akamai configuration and network connectivity.

Incorrect Signal Values: Check signal mapping and data transformation.

Action Errors: Review Action logs for specific error messages.

Performance Impact: Monitor latency and optimize signal processing logic.

### Diagnostic Steps

Step 1: Verify Akamai is sending signals correctly.

Step 2: Check Auth0 Action logs for signal receipt.

Step 3: Validate signal processing logic.

Step 4: Test with known good and bad requests.

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## Related Modules

- attack-protection-overview.md: Overall attack protection strategy
- bot-detection.md: Auth0 native bot detection
- suspicious-ip-throttling.md: IP-based threat detection
- security-center.md: Monitoring and alerting

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## Resources

Auth0 Documentation: Configure Akamai to Send Supplemental Signals
Auth0 Documentation: Use Akamai Supplemental Signals in Actions
Akamai Documentation: Bot Manager and Enterprise Application Access
