Why Akamai's UK Defense Cybersecurity Push with P3M Could Be a Game-Changer
33min read The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, particularly in sectors where third-party access to sensitive systems can mean the difference between national security and catastrophe. That’s why the recent partnership between Akamai Technologies (AMKA) and UK-based P3M Works to deliver zero trust identity, credential, and access management (ICAM) solutions for the UK government and defense supply chain is a major move with significant investment implications.
The Problem: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Are the New Frontline
The collaboration targets a glaring weakness in modern defense systems: third-party access to sensitive data. Supply chains are now prime targets for cyberattacks—think of the SolarWinds hack, which exposed how a single vulnerability can infiltrate thousands of systems. In the UK, where defense contractors and government agencies operate in a highly distributed, often disconnected environment, the risks are amplified.
Akamai and P3M’s joint solution addresses this by implementing zero trust principles, which assume no inherent trust in users or devices. The system enforces granular access controls based on real-time context: user identity, device health, and behavioral analytics. This approach is critical in environments where systems may lack consistent connectivity (e.g., on naval vessels or in remote military outposts), as the solution supports disconnected or low-bandwidth environments (DDIL).
The Solution: Combining US DoD Vetting with UK Expertise
Akamai brings its Zero Trust Federated ICAM platform, already deployed in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) networks. P3M, a UK cyber resilience consultancy, adds deep knowledge of UK-specific regulations like the National Security and Investment Act and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy. The result is a tailored solution for the UK’s defense supply chain, which the companies plan to deploy by Q3 2025.
The partnership’s timing is strategic. At CYBERUK 2025, the UK’s flagship cybersecurity event, Akamai highlighted the urgency of the threat. According to the UK National Cyber Security Centre, supply chain attacks rose by 40% in 2023, with defense and government sectors disproportionately affected.
Investment Implications: A Growth Catalyst for Akamai?
For investors, this deal underscores Akamai’s shift toward defensible cybersecurity markets. The company’s core business—content delivery networks (CDNs)—has faced margin pressures, but its cybersecurity segment has been a bright spot. In Q1 2024, Akamai reported cybersecurity revenue growth of 12% year-over-year, outpacing CDN growth.
The UK defense deal could accelerate this trend. The global zero trust market is projected to hit $55 billion by 2030, with government and defense sectors accounting for over 30% of spending (Fortune Business Insights). Akamai’s partnership with P3M gives it a direct pipeline into this lucrative niche.
However, risks remain. The UK’s post-Brexit regulatory environment could introduce delays, and adoption by defense contractors may depend on government mandates. Still, the partnership’s emphasis on UK-specific compliance mitigates some of these concerns.
The Bottom Line: A Strategic Bet on Cyber Resilience
Akamai’s collaboration with P3M is more than a product launch—it’s a geopolitical play in a sector where cybersecurity is becoming a national priority. With UK defense spending projected to rise to £72 billion annually by 2028 (UK Ministry of Defence), the demand for solutions like this will only grow.
For investors, the partnership highlights Akamai’s ability to pivot into high-margin, mission-critical markets. If the solution gains traction, it could solidify Akamai’s position as a go-to provider for zero trust in defense—a sector with minimal competition and long-term contracts.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes, High-Reward Opportunity
Akamai’s partnership with P3M isn’t just about securing supply chains—it’s about securing its own financial future. With a market cap of $16.5 billion and a P/E ratio of 24 (well below peers like Palo Alto Networks at 42), Akamai is priced for steady growth, not transformation. This deal could tip it into the latter category.
The UK defense market alone could add hundreds of millions in recurring revenue. Meanwhile, the zero trust framework’s adaptability to other sectors—like critical infrastructure or healthcare—opens further upside.
In a world where cyberattacks cost the global economy $1.3 trillion annually (Cybersecurity Ventures), companies like Akamai that solve mission-critical problems will thrive. This partnership checks all the boxes: urgency of need, regulatory tailwinds, and a proven technology backbone. Investors should take note.
