The Shifting Sands of Java and API Security: A New Era for Enterprises
January 30, 2025, 4:03 pm
In the fast-paced world of technology, change is the only constant. Two recent reports shine a spotlight on the evolving landscape of enterprise software. The first report reveals a seismic shift in how organizations view Oracle Java. The second highlights the rising tide of API security risks, driven largely by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Together, they paint a picture of a corporate environment grappling with cost, efficiency, and security.
Let’s start with Java. Once the gold standard for enterprise applications, Java is now facing scrutiny. A staggering 88 percent of organizations are considering alternatives to Oracle Java, up from 72 percent just two years ago. This isn’t just a minor trend; it’s a tidal wave. The Azul 2025 State of Java Survey shows that while 99 percent of enterprises still use Java, many are looking for the exit door.
Why the exodus? Cost is the primary concern. Forty-two percent of organizations cite expenses as their main reason for considering a switch. Oracle’s pricing and licensing changes have left many feeling like they’re navigating a minefield. The fear of unpredictable costs looms large. Add to that the restrictive policies from Oracle, and it’s no wonder organizations are seeking refuge in open-source alternatives.
The cloud is another battleground. Nearly two-thirds of organizations report that Java workloads account for over half of their cloud compute costs. Yet, a shocking 71 percent admit to wasting money on unused cloud capacity. It’s like paying for a gym membership but never stepping foot inside. Companies are now scrambling to align their cloud investments with actual usage. They’re leveraging newer, more efficient compute instances and high-performance Java Development Kits (JDKs) to cut costs and boost performance.
But it’s not just about saving money. Productivity is taking a hit too. Sixty-two percent of respondents say dead or unused code hampers their DevOps teams. Security concerns add another layer of complexity. A third of organizations report that their teams waste time dealing with false positives from Java-related vulnerabilities. And three years after the Log4j vulnerability was discovered, nearly half of companies are still grappling with its fallout.
In the midst of this chaos, Java is finding new life in AI. Fifty percent of organizations are using Java to build AI functionality, surpassing both Python and JavaScript in this arena. However, this shift brings its own challenges. Seventy-two percent of organizations anticipate needing more compute capacity to support their AI-enhanced Java applications. It’s a double-edged sword: the promise of AI comes with the burden of increased infrastructure demands.
Now, let’s pivot to the world of APIs. A new report from Wallarm reveals that APIs have become the main attack surface for enterprises. The rise of AI is a double-edged sword here too. While AI deployments are skyrocketing—over 53 percent of enterprise leaders report multiple AI initiatives—this rapid adoption has exposed significant security vulnerabilities.
The report uncovers a staggering 1,205 percent increase in AI-related vulnerabilities, nearly all tied to APIs. Researchers tracked 439 AI-related Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), with 99 percent linked to APIs. This is a wake-up call for organizations. APIs are the critical interface between AI models and the applications they power. Yet, many organizations are leaving their APIs wide open. Fifty-seven percent of AI-powered APIs are externally accessible, and a shocking 89 percent rely on insecure authentication mechanisms. Only 11 percent have robust security measures in place.
This is not just a technical issue; it’s a business imperative. The consequences of neglecting API security can be dire. Organizations risk costly technical vulnerabilities and reputational damage. More than half of all recorded vulnerabilities exploited by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were API-related, marking a 30 percent increase from the previous year.
Legacy APIs are not the only culprits. Modern RESTful APIs are equally at risk due to complex integration challenges and improper configurations. The landscape is fraught with danger, and organizations must act swiftly to secure their APIs.
In conclusion, the reports highlight a critical juncture for enterprises. The shift away from Oracle Java reflects a broader trend of seeking cost-effective, efficient solutions. Meanwhile, the rise of AI is reshaping the security landscape, making API protection more crucial than ever. Organizations must navigate these turbulent waters with agility and foresight. The stakes are high, and the path forward requires a delicate balance of innovation and security. As the sands shift beneath their feet, enterprises must adapt or risk being left behind.
Let’s start with Java. Once the gold standard for enterprise applications, Java is now facing scrutiny. A staggering 88 percent of organizations are considering alternatives to Oracle Java, up from 72 percent just two years ago. This isn’t just a minor trend; it’s a tidal wave. The Azul 2025 State of Java Survey shows that while 99 percent of enterprises still use Java, many are looking for the exit door.
Why the exodus? Cost is the primary concern. Forty-two percent of organizations cite expenses as their main reason for considering a switch. Oracle’s pricing and licensing changes have left many feeling like they’re navigating a minefield. The fear of unpredictable costs looms large. Add to that the restrictive policies from Oracle, and it’s no wonder organizations are seeking refuge in open-source alternatives.
The cloud is another battleground. Nearly two-thirds of organizations report that Java workloads account for over half of their cloud compute costs. Yet, a shocking 71 percent admit to wasting money on unused cloud capacity. It’s like paying for a gym membership but never stepping foot inside. Companies are now scrambling to align their cloud investments with actual usage. They’re leveraging newer, more efficient compute instances and high-performance Java Development Kits (JDKs) to cut costs and boost performance.
But it’s not just about saving money. Productivity is taking a hit too. Sixty-two percent of respondents say dead or unused code hampers their DevOps teams. Security concerns add another layer of complexity. A third of organizations report that their teams waste time dealing with false positives from Java-related vulnerabilities. And three years after the Log4j vulnerability was discovered, nearly half of companies are still grappling with its fallout.
In the midst of this chaos, Java is finding new life in AI. Fifty percent of organizations are using Java to build AI functionality, surpassing both Python and JavaScript in this arena. However, this shift brings its own challenges. Seventy-two percent of organizations anticipate needing more compute capacity to support their AI-enhanced Java applications. It’s a double-edged sword: the promise of AI comes with the burden of increased infrastructure demands.
Now, let’s pivot to the world of APIs. A new report from Wallarm reveals that APIs have become the main attack surface for enterprises. The rise of AI is a double-edged sword here too. While AI deployments are skyrocketing—over 53 percent of enterprise leaders report multiple AI initiatives—this rapid adoption has exposed significant security vulnerabilities.
The report uncovers a staggering 1,205 percent increase in AI-related vulnerabilities, nearly all tied to APIs. Researchers tracked 439 AI-related Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), with 99 percent linked to APIs. This is a wake-up call for organizations. APIs are the critical interface between AI models and the applications they power. Yet, many organizations are leaving their APIs wide open. Fifty-seven percent of AI-powered APIs are externally accessible, and a shocking 89 percent rely on insecure authentication mechanisms. Only 11 percent have robust security measures in place.
This is not just a technical issue; it’s a business imperative. The consequences of neglecting API security can be dire. Organizations risk costly technical vulnerabilities and reputational damage. More than half of all recorded vulnerabilities exploited by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were API-related, marking a 30 percent increase from the previous year.
Legacy APIs are not the only culprits. Modern RESTful APIs are equally at risk due to complex integration challenges and improper configurations. The landscape is fraught with danger, and organizations must act swiftly to secure their APIs.
In conclusion, the reports highlight a critical juncture for enterprises. The shift away from Oracle Java reflects a broader trend of seeking cost-effective, efficient solutions. Meanwhile, the rise of AI is reshaping the security landscape, making API protection more crucial than ever. Organizations must navigate these turbulent waters with agility and foresight. The stakes are high, and the path forward requires a delicate balance of innovation and security. As the sands shift beneath their feet, enterprises must adapt or risk being left behind.